THEME: Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self determination.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples takes place annually on 9 August to celebrate Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge. People gather on this day to bring awareness to world issues concerning indigenous people, respectively. In addition, this day also recognizes the achievements and contributions of indigenous people in our society.

There are an estimated 476 million indigenous peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world’s population, but account for 15 percent of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.  Indigenous peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment.  Indigenous peoples’ conceptualization of health and well-being is generally broader and more holistic, with health frequently viewed as both an individual and a collective right, strongly determined by community, land and the natural environment. Indigenous people fight for survival, partially due to maintaining the preservation of their cultural heritage.  Incidentally, it’s the unique cultural practices and language that set indigenous people apart from mainstream nationalities.

Of course, a few of the most famous indigenous cultures known are those found in the Amazon and Alaska.  However, there are over 5,000 indigenous groups located around the world, respectively.  Frequently, indigenous groups attract curious spectators to make contact.  Unfortunately, contact of many indigenous tribes leads to disease and death. Despite their cultural differences, Indigenous Peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples. Many Indigenous Peoples continue to be confronted with marginalization, extreme poverty and other human rights violations.

Article 24 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes the right of indigenous peoples to their traditional medicines, to maintain their health practices and to access social and health services without discrimination. 

HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

• There are several things to do on International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.  Attending an indigenous community event in your area is a great way to celebrate. While you’re there, enjoy the many artists, musicians, and food available.
• Study contributions made by indigenous people towards medicine and science, along with arts and humanities.  Learning history and customs is always a great way to educate yourself.
• Help raise awareness on the preservation of indigenous customs and languages. Join the discussion on how to help preserve languages of all indigenous people across the world.
• Share your experiences and support for all indigenous groups on social media using hashtags.

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