INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Do you know that about 370 million indigenous people are living in 90 countries across the globe? These people are only 5% of the global population, but they account for 15% of the world's poorest people. The indigenous people speak about 7000 languages and represent 5000 different cultures. The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples seeks to protect these people's rights and prevent them from marginalization. That explains why the UN set aside August 9th every year as a day to honor these groups of people.

History of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

The first UN meeting that focused on indigenous people was held in Geneva on August 9, 1982. For the next decade, there was no special day dedicated to the indigenous people.

In December 1994, the UN-designated International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples to be officially celebrated on August 9th every year. Initially, the holiday was celebrated in phases marked by decades. The first decade of the world's Indigenous people was from 1995-2004, while the second decade lasted until 2015.

In 2000, the human rights commission adopted a resolution that established a UN forum to discuss challenges faced by indigenous people. This includes issues related to culture, education, environment, health, human rights, and social development.

How to Celebrate International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

The UN organizes various events in different nations that aim at spreading the message about indigenous people. Some of the activities organized include educational forums, classroom activities, performances by native artists, messages from key UN leaders and panel discussions about the fate of the indigenous groups. You can purpose to attend these events in your local area.

The UN also hosts a live webcast on its official website. The webcast touches typically on the lives of indigenous people and how the public can contribute to preventing marginalization of these groups.

You can also watch a movie about the indigenous people. Through the film, you will get to learn about their unique culture, languages and the sad truth of how they are slowly becoming marginalized. Some suggestions to good movies include The Dead Lands (2014), Atanarjuat (2001), Four Sheets to the Wind (2007) and Kanehsatake (2012).

You can also donate to the Survival International. The organization collects all the funds and puts them towards the protection of the indigenous people's rights. The proceeds also help in defending these people from losing their lands and vibrant culture.

Gang up with friends and organize a trip to an indigenous reserve. If you have enough money, you can also visit a country whose much population is predominantly indigenous. Such can include Guatemala, Brazil, The Peruvian highlands, or Australia. Remember to spread awareness about the indigenous people and their risk of getting eradicated. You can do this by sharing on social media using the hashtags #IndegenousPeople, #InternationalDayoftheWorldsIndigenousPeoples.

Symbol of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Typically, the symbol features the ears of two green leaves facing each other. The ears cradle a globe that resembles the planet earth. Inside the globe are two different hands sharing a handshake. Above the handshake is a landscape background that is encapsulated by the blue color at the top and bottom.

The symbol is an artwork by a Bangladesh boy known as Rebang Dewan. The UN chose this symbol as the permanent representation of indigenous issues and to also promote the International Day of the World's Indigenous People.

Interesting Facts about International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

- Approximately 80% of the indigenous people live in Asia and South East Asia

- Indigenous people have expert agricultural knowledge, never use chemicals and know when to cultivate to maximize profits

- The Moken Austronesia tribe has magical powers to foretell the future. This allowed them to survive the 2004 tsunami that wiped the entire population in the region

- Of all the native groups, about 400 live in the Amazon River Basin

- All indigenous groups have a strong attachment to their ancestral land and culture.

- Indigenous people have a short lifespan. This is due to a lack of proper health care and high levels of contracting diseases such as malaria, TB, and HIV/Aids.