Future Words of Yesterday: Issue #8 (#wattys2016)

#TalkThePOC

"Indigenous Peoples' participation is key to the advancement of their human rights."

The International Day of the World's Indigenous People is observed on August 9 each year to promote the rights of the world's indigenous population. This event recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection. It was first pronounced by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1994, marking the day of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, in 1982.

People from different nations are encouraged to participate in observing the day to spread the UN's message on indigenous peoples. Activities may include educational forums and classroom activities to gain an appreciation and a better understanding of indigenous people. Events may include messages from the UN secretary general and other key leaders, performances by indigenous artists, and panel discussions on reconciliation.

Indigenous peoples, or Natives, are the ethnic groups who are native to a land region, especially before the arrival and intrusion of a foreign and possibly dominating culture. They are a group of people whose members share a cultural identity that has been shaped by their geographical region. A variety of name are used in various countries in identify such groups of people, but they generally are regarded as the "original inhabitants" of a territory or region. Their right to self-determination may be materially affected by the later-arriving ethnic groups.

Despite the diversity of Indigenous peoples, it may be noted that they share common problems and issues in dealing with the prevailing or invading, society. They are generally concerned that the cultures of Indigenous peoples are being lost and that indigenous peoples suffer both discrimination and pressure to assimilate into their surrounding societies. It is also sometimes argued that it is important for the human species as a whole to preserve a wide range of cultural diversity as possible, and that the protection of indigenous cultures is vital to this enterprises.

International Day of the World's Indigenous People is the perfect opportunity to emphasize indigenous peoples' vital contribution to the implementation of sustainable solutions for tackling development challenges, from the management of natural resources to the fight against climate change.

Promoting the cultures, the languages and the knowledge of indigenous peoples is an essential part of UNESCO's action. We know that respecting knowledge systems and local languages – including those of indigenous peoples – is one of the conditions for successful inclusive, equitable school systems, in which everyone can learn and show their potential. It is central to achieving the implementation of the quality education for all (EFA) goals and is fully integrated into the declaration adopted at the World Education Forum held in May 2015, in Incheon, Republic of Korea.

The cultural diversity of indigenous peoples, be it artistic traditions, music, craftsmanship or contemporary art, represents an infinite source of dignity, identity and cohesion, whose full potential we are far from having unleashed. Local and indigenous knowledge has its own crucial role in the fight against environmental risks. We must further integrate this knowledge into the world's scientific corpus, warning systems and our collective environmental conscience.

Interesting facts about International Day of the World's Indigenous People

370 million people in more than 70 countries identify themselves as Indigenous Peoples.

There are around 5000 different groups of Indigenous Peoples in the world.

There are over 100 uncontacted tribes in the world, according to the Survival International.

One third of the world's 900 million extremely impoverished rural people are Indigenous Peoples.

They face discriminations in the legal systems, as well as threats such as removal of their lands, physical attacks and marginalization, according to Amnesty International.

In Rwandan Twa households, poor sanitation was seven times higher than that of the national population, according to the WHO.

One in every six languages spoken on the planet comes from New Guinea.

Worldwide, Indigenous Peoples account for 5% of the population.

Events & things to do on International Day of the World's Indigenous People

Watch a movies 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) etc.

Donate to Survival International. All funds donated are put towards the survival and protection of indigenous people rights. They help to defend their lands and lives and help them determine their own future.

Watch the official UN International Day of the Indigenous People wbsite. It is hosted in the ECOSOC Chamber at the UN headquarters and you can watch it online.

Spread awareness on social media by using hashtags #InternationalDayoftheIndigenousPeoples, #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 a population is predominantly indigenous. Try visiting Bolivia, Guatemala or the Peruvian highlands.

- Article written by

wandering-girl