In recent years, more have become aware of the unique wisdom in the cosmologies and spiritual practices of indigenous societies. While this native wisdom has always been part of human existence, its teachings have remained outside so-called “formal” religions, leading to zealous missionary campaigns seeking to stamp out this “paganism” from the face of the earth. But with the dramatic increase in global warming, a thinning ozone layer and social alienation, many, including the United Nations, are realizing that native peoples may possess some critical keys to the very survival of our species and fragile ecosystems of the planet. This Global Spirit program focuses on the wisdom of indigenous values and practices that have promoted heightened consciousness, spiritual harmony and a life in balance with nature. Host Phil Cousineau and the Global Spirit crew go to New York to film and interview renowned indigenous leaders and tribal representatives such as Chief Oren Lyons, Marcos Terena, Jake Swamp, Viktor Kaisiepo and Gloria Ushigua, joined by over 2000 others at a unique gathering of indigenous peoples from around the world at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.