International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated every year on 9th August.

On this day we are encouraged to:

• Celebrate the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Indigenous communities.
• Highlight their right to self-determination – the importance of their freedom to decide their political status and pursue economic, social, and cultural development.
• Seek ways to amplify Indigenous voices and promote greater respect and understanding.

Why?

There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous Peoples across the world, representing over 5000 different cultures, and speaking the majority of the world’s 7000 languages. Despite their cultural differences, Indigenous Peoples face common challenges in protecting their unique rights.

This year’s theme: Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact

Globally there are approximately 200 groups of Indigenous Peoples currently residing in remote forests in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Peru and Venezuela. For these isolated communities, threats such as the introduction of diseases from external contact can have devastating effects on whole communities. By respecting their isolation and understanding their needs, we can help protect these communities from preventable harm

Raising awareness

Businesses play a crucial role in raising awareness and supporting Indigenous communities. By acknowledging days of significance such as this, you can help to drive meaningful change, creating a more inclusive, equitable workplace which honours and celebrates the richness of Indigenous cultures.

As we observe this day, it is important we also recognise Indigenous people in our own community. By understanding and acknowledging these local experiences, we can deepen our commitment to advocating for their rights and wellbeing. Their stories and experiences also add to our understanding of the broader challenges faced by Indigenous populations worldwide.

Further Information

To learn more or find ways to get involved, visit the UN’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples website.