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Out of the 7.9 billion living on the globe, 6.2% are the indigenous People. Living across 90 different countries in the world, they are the owners and bearers of some of the richest cultures and traditions. They are unique in a true sense that they have one of a kind relationship with the land that they live. Also, they have their own beliefs and conviction on evolution, growth and development. Having said that, do you know that there is an entire day dedicated to the Indigenous People ? Yeah ! Each year, the 09th of August, is celebrated as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Check out the article to read all about it ! Happy Reading !
Who are Indigenous People ?
Also known as Native People, First People, Aboriginal People or Autochthonous People, the Indigenous People are culturally marked ethnic groups that belong to a particular area and were later colonized by some other ethnic groups. They are now considered to be unique from other communities that now occupy their land.
The word ‘indigenous’ is derived from the Latin word ‘indigena’. It means ‘ sprung from the land’ or ‘native’. Therefore, in true essence, they are the first people of the land.
What makes Indigenous People unique?
In spite of being colonized or occupied by other people, the indigenous people retain their cultural identity along with social, economic, political and other attributes. However, in the modern world all of the indigenous groups share the common problem of having to struggle to protect their rights and traditions. Some of the major characteristics of indigenous people are listed below:
- Definite social, economic and political system of their own.
- Language , culture , tradition and beliefs are pronounced and sharp.
- Serve as a secure connection to the environment and natural resources.
- Conserve the system and identity of indigenous people.
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International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2022
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
In order to show the world how special the indigenous people truly are and bring them off from the brink of being forgotten in this fast paced world, on 23rd December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided to mark the 9th of August every year as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The selection of date is attributed to commemorate the first meeting of the Indigenous Peoples Group that was held on 09.08.1982.
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated or marked throughout the different countries of the world in order to educate the common people on the concerns of these ethnic groups. Also, this attracts political interest to uplift the indigenous people. In a certain sense, these international days mark the advocacy of humanity.
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International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Date
Every year the 09th of August is marked as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This year, this day happens to be on a Monday.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Date 2022 – 09th August, Tuesday
| Year | Date and Day |
| 2022 | 09th August, Tuesday |
| 2023 | 09th August, Wednesday |
| 2024 | 09th August, Friday |
| 2025 | 09th August, Saturday |
| 2026 | 09th August, Sunday |
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International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2022 Theme
As we mark the different important days in our calendar, the theme of it is equally important. The Indigenous People Day is celebrated with different relevant and apt themes year after year.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2022 Theme – Leaving No One Behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract.
Let us check the table below to have a quick understanding of the different themes adopted by the United Nations to celebrate this day in the previous years.
| Year | Theme |
| 2020 | COVID-19 and indigenous peoples’ resilience |
| 2019 | Indigenous Languages |
| 2018 | Indigenous peoples’ migration and movement |
| 2017 | Conservation and protection of the environment. |
| 2016 | Indigenous Peoples and Education |
| 2015 | Post 2015 Agenda: Ensuring indigenous peoples health and well-being |
| 2014 | Bridging the gap: implementing the rights of indigenous peoples |
| 2013 | Indigenous peoples building alliances: Honoring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements |
| 2012 | Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices |
| 2011 | Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future. |
| 2010 | Celebrating Indigenous Filmmaking |
| 2009 | Indigenous Peoples and HIV/AIDS |
| 2008 | Conciliation and Reconciliation between States and Indigenous Peoples |
| 2007 | Honoring Indigenous Youth and Languages |
| 2006 | Indigenous Peoples: human rights, dignity and development with identity |
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International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2022 Quotes
Check about some of the well known quotes about the indigenous people around the world.
- “We have a mother, and that mother is our territories, our common home of all the Indigenous peoples and everyone who inhabits this earth” – Maximiliano Ferrer
- “Indigenous peoples are right on the frontline of the very real and dangerous fight for the world’s forests.” – Alec Baldwin
- “We’re fighting for soil, land, food, trees, water, birds. We’re fighting for life.” – Gregorio Mirabal
- “Solutions will not be found while Indigenous people are treated as victims for whom someone else must find solutions.” – Malcolm Fraser
- “In everything I’ve done, I’ve always tried to make room for indigenous people, to include them.” -Robert Lepage
- “This is a coca leaf. This is not cocaine. This represents the culture of indigenous people of the Andean region.” -Evo Morales
- “The truth is nobody can own anything. That was an unheard-of concept among indigenous people. We invented that.” – Tom Shadyac
- “ The sad truth is that mass migration, whatever the colour of the skins of those involved, upsets and worries indigenous people, especially the poorest.” – Peter Hitchens
- “ Yet there are thousands of Indigenous people searching for family members.” – Malcolm Fraser
- “I have a dream, humans were part of aliens on earth. I also dream that some humans are really indigenous.” ― Toba Beta
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Proverbs by Indigenous People around the World
- “Our first teacher is our own heart”. Cheyenne proverb
- “He who is unable to dance says that the yard is stony”. Masai proverb
- “A brave man dies only once, a coward dies many times”. Iowa Proverb
- “A good boss gives, he does not take”. Mohawk proverb
- “Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may not remember, involve me and I’ll understand”. Native American proverb
- “All plants are our brothers and sisters. They talk to us and if we listen, we can hear them”. Arapahoe proverb
- “Life is not separate from death. It only looks that way”. Blackfoot proverb
- “Many hands make work light; Many ideas open the way”. Hmong proverb
- “Do not judge your neighbor until you walk two moons in his moccasins”. Cheyenne proverb
- “When they cut down a tree in the jungle, a star falls from the sky”. Lacandon proverb
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The Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022- 2032)
These are different groups of Indigenous people all of who speak different languages. Out of the total 7000 languages spoken by the indigenous people, about 40% of them are endangered. This happens because, nowhere in the world do we have indigenous languages taught at schools. As a matter of fact the indigenous vocabulary is now on the verge of being forgotten. Therefore, to combat this vulnerability of the indigenous languages, the United nations have decided to mark the upcoming 10 years starting from 2022, as the decade of Indigenous languages. During this period, real and powerful efforts will be made by all the participating nations to protect the indigenous languages in its true form. So, stay tuned and spread the word !
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Credible Activities on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2022
In this section, we will list out some activities that can be done on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2021 to maintain the true spirit and integrity of the celebration. Check them out.
Be a part of the Observance
The official observance of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2021 will be held online this year due to the pandemic. It will commence at 9.00 am in the morning on 09th August 2021 and continue to 11.00 am during the Eastern Standard Time (EST). Do take part in it and raise a toast to the indigenous people around the globe.
Read and Learn about Indigenous People
Devote this day, to increase yourself in knowledge about the life of indigenous people. Owning rich culture and traditions, the history of indigenous people is sure to fascinate the readers.
Make a Dream Catcher as a token of love
Who does not love a beautiful dreamcatcher ? But do you know that it was first made by a group of indigenous group called Ojibwe people? So, why not take some time to create a dreamcatcher for yourself or to gift your loved ones and learn a bit about the richness of crafts amidst the indigenous people !
Organize an awareness workshop
To protect the indigenous people and preserve their rich culture is the need of the hour. Therefore, be a part of a team or lead people in your locality to conduct awareness workshops on the importance of taking ample care of the native people. Remember, each drop counts and so does effort! Each little effort made by you will pave the way for a better tomorrow.
Collect Indigenous proverbs
Most of the indigenous languages are rich in proverbs. This truly shows the wisdom of the indigenous people. So, in an effort to preserve the proverbs, collect as many of them as you can. Also, make sure to use them in your daily vocabulary!
Watch Movies on Indigenous People
The cinema industry has made some amazing contributions regarding authentic movies show casing the life of indigenous people. So, try some of the good ones with your friends today and understand their life, traditions and customs.
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Did You Know ?
- The total population of indigenous people around the world is estimated to be 370 million in 90 different countries.
- There are approximately 7000 indigenous languages in the world, most of which are currently endangered.
- Indigenous people are 3 folds more likely to be living in extreme conditions of poverty.
- The longevity of the indigenous people is relatively lower than other non-indigenous people. It is mainly attributed to the non availability of health care systems.
- A great portion of the indigenous people are devoid of any formal education.
- As the indigenous people are known to protect and preserve the land that they live, biodiversity flourishes in such areas.
Let’s Deduce
It is the right and duty of each one of us, to take the necessary steps towards the empowerment and protection of the indigenous people in our country. Do what is possible by you to uplift them and their lives. As a matter of fact, we are the true colonists that have subsided the indigenous people and cornered the. So, in every aspect we must take the necessary gestures that will help t preserve the essence of their culture, tradition and the overall life! On this day of the International Indigenous people, let each one of us pledge to do our bit for the betterment of the lives of indigenous people!
