International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples serves to increase the appreciation for the rich cultural heritage, unique traditions, and contributions of indigenous populations around the globe. The day also focuses on promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, while recognizing the ways in which their knowledge, values, and actions have helped to shape societies and influence sustainable development efforts. The observance highlights the importance of listening to indigenous voices and fostering partnerships to achieve balanced growth and sustainability for all.

The United Nations established International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples in response to a proposal from the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1994. For the people of America, this day carries particular significance, given the unique history and vital role played by Native American tribes in the past and present. Indigenous populations in the country face unique challenges related to land rights, environmental protection, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. The United States, along with other countries, has adopted various measures to improve the living conditions of the indigenous communities and preserve their unique cultural identity, such as strengthening legal systems, providing educational support, and implementing sustainable development policies.

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed through cultural events, conferences, and educational programs aimed at showcasing and honoring indigenous traditions, knowledge, and history. On August 9, museums, cultural institutions, and community organizations across the country host events commemorating the contributions of indigenous people and heightening cross-cultural dialogue. This serves as an opportunity for the nation to reiterate commitment to embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and working towards restorative justice for indigenous communities. International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on August 9th.

Facts about Indigenous People

• Indigenous languages are dying at an alarming rate. UNESCO warns that at least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered.
• Indigenous peoples often have lower life expectancies than the general population in their countries due to higher rates of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and alcohol addiction, often stemming from stress, poor sanitation, malnutrition, lack of access to clean water and medical care.
• Despite their historical ties, Indigenous peoples have legal ownership of only about 10% of the world’s lands. Land rights are a major issue for indigenous peoples, as many of their difficulties are directly connected to their displacement from their ancestral lands.
• According to the UN, there are an estimated 370 million indigenous peoples living in more than 70 countries around the world. There are approximately 5000 different indigenous groups in the world.
• The Amazon River basin represents only 7% of the world’s total service area, but it is also home to 400 different indigenous groups. One of the largest concentrations of indigenous peoples in the world.
• Indigenous peoples represent over 4000 different languages of the 6700 know languages that exist today. Most of these languages are considered to be endangered, meaning at high risk of being replaced by dominant languages.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Top things to do in the US for this observance

• Donate to Survival International. All funds donated are put towards the survival and protection of indigenous peoples rights. They help to defend their lands and lives and help them determine their own future.
• Watch the official UN International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples webcast. It is hosted in the ECOSOC Chamber at the UN headquarters and you can watch it online.
• Watch a movie about indigenous people, both about their culture and uniqueness and how they are being slowly eradicated. Some suggestions are: Atanarjuat (2001), The Dead Lands (2014), Kanehsatake (2012) and Four Sheets to the Wind (2007).
• Spread awareness of social media by using the hashtags #InternationalDayoftheWorldsIndigenousPeoples, #IndigenousPeoples or tag a specific indigenous group such as #cree or #inca.
• Organize a trip to an indigenous reserve near you or plan a trip to visit a country where much of the population is predominantly indigenous. Try visiting Guatemala, Bolivia, Brazil or the Peruvian highlands.