Each year on August 9, people around the globe observe International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.  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.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People first began with the introduction of a UN Resolution.  With intentions to raise awareness about indigenous groups, UN Resolution 49/214 became a reality on December 23, 1994.  As a result, August 9 will forever be a reminder of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations.

Indigenous people make up about 5 percent of the world’s population. Interestingly, there is an estimate of 370 million indigenous people living across 90 countries. Unfortunately, this group of people also make up at least 15 percent of the poorest people on earth.  Indigenous people fight for survival, partially due to maintaining the preservation of their cultural heritage.

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.  Unfortunately, contact with many indigenous tribes leads to disease and death.

How to celebrate indigenous People Day?

·       Learn whose land you are on

·       Attend a local or virtual indigenous people day event

·       Donate to indigenous-led organizations

·       Take action by participating in an anti-mascot movement

·       Share illumiNative’s resources to support indigenous people