The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People occurs annually on August 9th each year. The day commemorates the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations’ first meeting, held in 1982. Observation of the day focuses on protecting and promoting the rights of the world’s indigenous population. There are an estimated 370 million indigenous people. Living in over 90 countries across the globe. They have fought for recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right of territories.
This Year’s Theme
Every year there is a different theme for the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. This year’s theme is “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract.” “A social contract is an unwritten agreement that societies make to cooperate for social and economic benefits.” Yet, indigenous people were never included in the social contract. To make a new social contract, the indigenous peoples’ must be included in the creation. Including indigenous people creates a stronger social contract than before. Respect of the indigenous people and their way of life will work toward healing old ones.
How to Observe
There are several ways you can observe this holiday. First, you could donate to indigenous-led solutions. Also, educate yourself on the indigenous cultures. As well as, read indigenous literature and research indigenous history. Along with, attending online or in-person celebrations. Finally, learn more by following their social media pages.
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Sources: Green Policy Platform, United Nations, Cultural Survival and The Student Voice of Austin Community College District
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