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What is The International Day of The World's Indigenous People?

Since 1994, the International Day of The World’s Indigenous People has been celebrated annually on the 9th of August to commemorate the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982. According to Amnesty International, today is a reminder that Indigenous Peoples have the right to self-determine their political status and pursue their cultural, social, and economic development on their own terms. One of the main ways to execute that is upholding the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples worldwide. Adopted in 2007 by the UN General Assembly, UNDRIP is legally non-binding, but many governments still use it to guide policies, laws and reconciliation efforts to some extent. However, there’s still a lot of work to do. 

More information on Indigenous People:

It’s estimated that there are over 5000 different Indigenous Peoples spread across the globe from the Arctic to the South Pacific. Despite vast differences in languages, customs and cultures, most Indigenous communities face harsh realities such as deep poverty, higher rates of homelessness, lower life expectancy, generational trauma and human rights violations as a direct result of land dispossession, restricted access to education and health care, climate change, and cultural assimilation. Instead of using these struggles to fuel harmful stereotypes, it’s important to recognise the systemic issues which continue to harm Indigenous people, acknowledge the catastrophic impacts of colonization, and platform Indigenous perspectives whenever possible, in order to create lasting change.

While Indigenous people only make up around 6% of the world’s population, it’s estimated that they protect more than 80% of earth’s remaining biodiversity which is part of the reason why recognizing and learning about Indigenous rights is an essential step towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Indigenous communities are often at the forefront when it comes to anti-racism, climate activism, environmental stewardship, and safekeeping ancestral knowledge so supporting Indigenous leadership is a must for addressing global issues such as climate change, Palestinian genocide and rapid loss of biodiversity. It’s a crucial reminder to recognize their right to control their lands, preserve their languages, and maintain their cultural practices free from forced external interference.

2025: Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures:

Each year, there’s a different theme and focus for the International Day of The Indigenous People. In the recent past, they’ve been as follows: Indigenous Languages (2022), Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination (2023), and Food Security and Sovereignty through Self-Determination (2024). This year, the theme is “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures”. While there are many ways to approach the topic of artificial intelligence from the perspective of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, here’s what Audrey Azoulay, the director-general of Unesco had to say on the topic: ''Artificial intelligence holds the potential to enhance the transmission of ancestral knowledge. Yet, without safeguards in place to ensure its ethical and inclusive development, it risks causing digital exclusion, reinforcing harmful biases and distorting Indigenous languages.'' Considering the fact that AI data centers have a massive environmental impact, it’s especially important to include Indigenous people in the process. Besides impacting Indigenous lands, resources and communities in general, most AI systems also run the risk of misusing their knowledge, culture and data. Indigenous Peoples also can’t access new technologies at the same rate, completely excluding them from full participation in decision making.

A celebration of Indigenous solidarity:

The International Day of The World’s Indigenous People is also a celebration of Indigenous solidarity, heritage, diversity, resistance and most importantly, life itself. It challenges outdated narratives that have erased Indigenous identities throughout history, and promotes seeking justice, sovereignty, and self-determination for Indigenous communities. Events like museum exhibitions, vibrant cultural festivals, social media campaigns, webinars and educational workshops are often organized around this time to honor Indigenous traditions, advocate for land rights and amplify marginalized voices globally. Their stories, wisdom, and resilience are invaluable to our collective humanity, but it’s up to all of us to commit to actively fighting for the rights, dignity and sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples in solidarity with them.

In Summary

• The International Day of The World’s Indigenous People has been celebrated every year on the 9th of August since 1994, decided by the United Nations 
  
  

• Today reminds us that Indigenous Peoples have the right to self-determine their political status and pursue their cultural, social, and economic development on their own terms
  
  

• UNDRIP stands for the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
  
  

• Indigenous people face systemic barriers and discrimination at a much higher rate to the general population as a direct result of colonization 
  
  

• Despite being a minority, Indigenous Peoples protect most of the world’s remaining biodiversity and their expertise is essential for a more sustainable and equitable future
  
  

• Today is also a celebration of Indigenous solidarity, heritage, diversity and resistance
  
  

• It’s up to all of us to build a better world together, and one essential part of doing that is to support Indigenous people in their fight for dignity and sovereignty among other things
  
  
  

You can celebrate and mark The International Day of The World's Indigenous People Here!

To our Indigenous users,

You are valued, seen, and cherished. Despite generations of violent erasure, you’re here to continue to keep your people alive by simply existing, and the world is a better place because you’re in it. Happy International Day of The World’s Indigenous People! 

With love and solidarity,

The Inclusivity Group

Sources: UN, Unesco, Amnesty International and Canada