International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (9 August)

In 1994, the General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World's Indigenous People would be observed on 9 August every year during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. In 2004, a Second International Decade was proclaimed to further the "strengthening of international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by indigenous people.

As we strive to foster sustainable and equitable development, it is vital we listen to the voices of indigenous peoples. It is imperative that we learn from their knowledge. This year’s theme, ‘Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting their own future’, highlights the need for preservation and revitalization of indigenous cultures, including their art and intellectual property. It can also be used to showcase indigenous artists and cooperatives or businesses who are taking inspiration from indigenous peoples' customs and the indigenous communities who may have participated or benefited from this.

It is a reminder of the responsibility of individuals as consumers, to understand that there is a story and a personal experience behind every piece of cloth, textile or artwork from an indigenous individual or community.

“Indigenous peoples represent remarkable diversity -- 5,000 distinct groups in some 90 countries. They make up more than 5 per cent of the world’s population, some 370 million people. Together, they are custodians of a valuable and often fast-disappearing cultural heritage. We see their creativity and innovations in the arts, literature and the sciences. These contributions are highlighted by the theme of this year’s observance, ‘Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future’.” UN Secretary-General in his message for the day.

Links:

International Day of the World's Indigenous People

UN Secretary-General: message for the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

High Commissioner's media statement for the International Day of the World's Indigenous People

Other statements: www.un.org/en/events/indigenousday/messages.shtml

News:

• Peru: UN expert on indigenous rights calls for dialogue after deadly mining protests (6 July  2011)
• Australia: UN urges rethink of policies on indigenous peoples and asylum-seekers (25 May  2011)
• UN forum delegates urge recognition of indigenous communities’ right to water (23 May  2011)
• UN launches new initiative to promote rights of world’s indigenous peoples (20 May  2011)
• Forest dwellers in Congo face extinction if not protected – UN official (18 May  2011)
• State responsibility to uphold rights of indigenous people stressed at UN forum (18 May  2011)
• Indigenous peoples’ forum opens at UN with call to turn rights into reality (16 May  2011)
• UN rights expert urges greater dialogue between Suriname and indigenous groups (17 March  2011)
• Ban commends Ecuador’s efforts on democracy, human rights, environment (14 February  2011)
• New Congolese law ‘significant’ step for indigenous rights – UN expert (7 January  2011)