International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed annually to promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples. The day was first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1994 to raise awareness of their unique culture, history, and traditions.

In India, the Indigenous Peoples or Adivasis make up 8.6% of the total population and are spread across the country. They face discrimination, marginalization and deprivation of their rights. The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is, therefore, an opportunity to highlight the struggles and challenges of India's Indigenous Peoples and to promote their cultural diversity and heritage.

The day provides a platform for these Indigenous Peoples to demand their rights, including the right to self-determination, to land, to natural resources, and to participate in decision-making processes. In India, organizations and individuals organize various events, seminars, and discussions to celebrate the day and raise awareness about the issues facing the Indigenous Peoples. The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on August 9th.

Facts about Indigenous People

• Indigenous languages are dying at an alarming rate. UNESCO warns that at least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered.
• Indigenous peoples often have lower life expectancies than the general population in their countries due to higher rates of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and alcohol addiction, often stemming from stress, poor sanitation, malnutrition, lack of access to clean water and medical care.
• Despite their historical ties, Indigenous peoples have legal ownership of only about 10% of the world’s lands. Land rights are a major issue for indigenous peoples, as many of their difficulties are directly connected to their displacement from their ancestral lands.
• Indian indigenous tribes have diverse languages, with more than 700 distinct languages belonging to various language families, such as Austroasiatic, Dravidian, Indo-Aryan, and Tibeto-Burman.
• Indigenous Peoples in India reside in various regions, including the northeastern states, central Indian states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

In the News and Trending in India for International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Donate to Survival International. All funds donated are put towards the survival and protection of indigenous peoples rights. They help to defend their lands and lives and help them determine their own future.
• Watch the official UN International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples webcast. It is hosted in the ECOSOC Chamber at the UN headquarters and you can watch it online.
• Visit local markets and fairs that showcase handicrafts made by indigenous artisans. This is an excellent opportunity to appreciate traditional arts such as Warli paintings, Dhokra art, and Bastar handicrafts.
• Plan a visit to tribal villages across India to get a firsthand experience of indigenous culture, customs, and traditions. Some popular destinations include Jawhar in Maharashtra, Bastar in Chhattisgarh, and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu.