A Specialized Agency for Indigenous Maritime Territories
UAN-IMO – the United Ancient Indigenous Enlightened Nations - International Maritime Organization – is a United Ancient Indigenous Enlightened Nations - specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of indigenous maritime territories and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships with a special focus on ancestral indigenous territories. UAN-IMO's work supports the protection of indigenous heritage and right to development.
As a specialized agency of the United Ancient Indigenous Enlightened Nations, UAN-IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the protection, preservation and development of indigenous maritime territories. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework that ensures the preservation of indigenous maritime territories and guarantees ancient nations and indigenous peoples their right to their sustainable exploitation.
Our Guiding Principle
Guardian of Indigenous Maritime Sovereignty
"As the global guardian of Indigenous maritime sovereignty, the UAN-IMO serves as the sacred standard-setting authority for the ecological, cultural and spiritual integrity of ancestral waterways worldwide. Our primary role is to establish a wisdom-based framework for maritime stewardship that honors traditional knowledge while addressing modern challenges—ensuring all water-based activities protect both natural ecosystems and Indigenous rights."
Our Framework for a Sustainable Future
The UAN-IMO creates a sacred balance-field where economic interests cannot override ecological and cultural responsibilities. This approach fosters regenerative innovation by bridging ancient wisdom with sustainable technologies. Waterways connect all life, and their protection requires globally recognized standards rooted in Indigenous sovereignty. The UAN-IMO serves as the sacred council where this vital harmonization occurs.
Indigenous maritime traditions have sustainably facilitated 90% of ancestral trade and cultural exchange across oceans, rivers and lakes for millennia. Traditional watercraft remain the most ecologically harmonious method of transporting goods and people. The UAN-IMO preserves this living heritage while supporting sustainable modern adaptations that honor Original Instructions—the Indigenous blueprint for balance with nature.
Integrating Ancestral Wisdom
The world's survival depends on spiritually attuned, ecologically sound and culturally respectful use of waterways—protected by the UAN-IMO's framework integrating:
- Sacred vessel design (from Polynesian voyaging canoes to birchbark traditions)
- Crew wisdom requirements (wayfinding knowledge, ceremonial protocols)
- Operational guidelines aligned with lunar/tidal cycles
- Sacred site protections for underwater cultural heritage
Collaborative Action for Sustainability
Indigenous maritime wisdom is essential for true sustainable development. Through the UAN-IMO, member nations, coastal communities and partners collaborate to:
- Implement the Original 7 Generations Framework—our ancestral sustainable development code
- Advance sacred shipping through traditional ecological knowledge
- Develop maritime education blending star navigation with modern tech
- Protect aquatic cultural landscapes as living libraries of sustainability
The UAN-IMO Water Council has formally woven the Original Instructions into all aspects of maritime governance. The UAN-IMO's water wisdom informs all global sustainability efforts—from climate action to responsible consumption. Our work ensures waterways remain spiritually vibrant, ecologically thriving lifelines for generations to come.