International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
This day raises awareness for the rights, achievements and contributions of the world’s Indigenous people.
This day raises awareness for the rights, achievements and contributions of the world’s Indigenous people.
Renee Harleston
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On December 23, 1994, the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly officially recognized August 9 as International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The day was first celebrated in 1995 and is designed to raise awareness for and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous people. The first meeting of the U.N. Working Group on Indigenous Populations, a subsidiary of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, took place in 1982. Until 2007, this group met to share experiences and voice concerns for issues relating to Indigenous populations.
Traditions
An event is held at the U.N. headquarters in New York with a goal to spread the U.N.’s message of protection and promotion Indigenous peoples’ rights. Indigenous artists perform at the event. In 2020 and 2021, the event was held virtually, and it featured guest speakers and messages from leaders. Each year is centered around a new theme, and past themes have included “Celebrating Indigenous Filmmaking” in 2010, “Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Education” in 2016 and “COVID-19 and indigenous peoples’ resilience” in 2020.
People around the world are encouraged to celebrate and spread awareness about the day through local events or on social media by using emojis and hashtags.