August 9 United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

NEW YORK – When Manny Iron Hawk (Titunwan Okowozu) and Renee Iron Hawk (Tituwan Oohenumpa), Cheyenne River Lakota elders from Red Scaffold, South Dakota, traveled to Costa Rica in 2023, they experienced a sense of kinship and solidarity with Indigenous people they encountered. They met representatives of six Indigenous tribes. They learned of Central American ceremonies and rituals similar to those of the Lakota. They met proactive Indigenous women, not unlike Lakota women, who are suffering persecution for their activism and are not backing down. Renee says the women she met are “really strong, all business, focused, and direct.”

In Costa Rica, Renee learned and used the phrase “pura vida” which literally means “pure life” in Spanish. More broadly, the phrase is used as both a greeting and as a farewell in Costa Rica. It means living life to the fullest. The Iron Hawks say that the concept of “pura vida” is similar to the idea of “wolakota.” Manny says, “As a Lakota man I want to be balanced, look into my inner space, be an example, and help others any way I can.”

Meeting the Indigenous Costa Ricans was “awesome,” according to Manny, like seeing a reflection of himself. “They are our brothers and sisters. …Their struggles are the same as ours: language preservation, land sovereignty, reclaiming traditional culture, being recognized as a nation. …”

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP) is observed on August 9 each year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population. This event also recognizes the achievements and contributions Indigenous people make to improve global issues such as environmental protection.

On August 9, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken released this statement in observance of IDWIP, “…With over 5,000 cultures and an estimated 7,000 languages, Indigenous communities bring unique perspectives, a rich diversity, and generations of knowledge to addressing so many of the challenges facing our planet today.

“Despite their rich histories and contributions, Indigenous peoples remain among the world’s most marginalized communities.  We have a collective responsibility to foster a more inclusive global society in which Indigenous peoples achieve their aspirations and are invited to contribute their expertise to help shape a safer, healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable world for all peoples.

“On behalf of the United States, I extend my best wishes on this annual commemorative day to Indigenous peoples across the world.  We recognize and celebrate the vibrant cultures, languages, and legacies of Indigenous peoples, and express our appreciation for their continued and lasting contributions to the wellbeing of our planet.”

People from different nations are encouraged to participate in observing IDWIP to spread the UN’s message on indigenous peoples. Activities may include educational forums and classroom activities to gain an appreciation and a better understanding of indigenous peoples.

KEY DATA ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

– There are 476 million Indigenous Peoples in the seven socio-cultural regions of the world, in 90 countries, belonging to more than 5,000 different groups.

– Asia has the largest concentration of Indigenous Peoples with 70.5 percent, followed by Africa with 16.3 percent, and Latin America with 11.5 percent. In Canada and the United States of America, Indigenous Peoples represent 6.7 percent of the total population.

– Indigenous Peoples make up 6.2 percent of the global population with the majority living in middle-income countries.

– Indigenous Peoples represent more than 19 percent of the extreme poor.

– Indigenous Peoples’ territories encompass 28 percent of the surface of the globe and contain 11 percent of the world’s forests.

– Indigenous Peoples are guardians of most of the world’s remaining biodiversity.

– Indigenous Peoples’ food systems have high levels of self-sufficiency ranging from 50 percent to 80 percent in food and resources generation.

Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day annually on June 21, chosen for its cultural significance as the summer solstice, a day many Indigenous communities connect through ceremonies and celebrations. The website churchillscience.ca cites the following reasons for celebrating this day:

Acknowledgment: It is a step forward in the reconciliation process, acknowledging the past injustices and discriminations faced by Indigenous peoples.

Education: It educates the public about the cultural diversity of the Indigenous communities in Canada, their histories, and their present realities.

Preservation: It helps in preserving the Indigenous cultures which are a fundamental part of Canada’s national fabric.

Unity: It promotes unity and understanding across all communities, encouraging inclusivity and collective participation in cultural events.

Who are Indigenous Peoples?

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), “Diversity between regions and countries, and differences in backgrounds, cultures, history, and conditions have proved extremely difficult for the development of one single definition, at an international level, applicable to all Indigenous Peoples’ communities. In accordance with international consensus, FAO abides by the following criteria when considering Indigenous Peoples:

Priority in time, with respect to occupation and use of a specific territory;

The voluntary perpetuation of cultural distinctiveness, which may include aspects of language, social organization, religion, and spiritual values, modes of production, laws, and institutions;

Self-identification, as well as recognition by other groups, or by State authorities, as a distinct collectivity; and

An experience of subjugation, marginalization, dispossession, exclusion or discrimination, whether or not these conditions persist.”

In June 2016, after 17 years of negotiation, the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly adopted the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The historic milestone reaffirmed the commitment of the OAS Member States (including the United States) to recognize, promote and protect the fundamental rights of over 70 million indigenous peoples in the western hemisphere.

The American Declaration addresses the particular situation of Indigenous peoples in the Americas and affirms their basic right to self-determination, education, healthcare, self-government, cultural practice, lands, territories and natural resources, as well as to gender equality for indigenous women, among other fundamental rights.

In 2018 the Permanent Council of the UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution establishing the Inter-American Week for Indigenous Peoples, which aims to promote the traditions, languages, history, and societal contributions of Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Since then, the OAS has celebrated the week around August 9 each year to coincide with the observation of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

According to the United Nations, “We need indigenous communities for a better world. … Indigenous Peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. … Despite their cultural differences, Indigenous Peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples.

“Indigenous Peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous Peoples today are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.”

In the United States, a growing number of localities are celebrating Indigenous People’s Day on the second Monday of October, celebrated since 1792 as Columbus Day. In 1990, South Dakota – currently the state with the third-largest population of Native Americans in the U.S. – became the first state to officially recognize Native Americans’ Day, commonly referred to as Indigenous Peoples Day in other parts of the country.

More than a dozen states and the District of Columbia now recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. For U.S. citizens, perhaps the UN IDWIP is an excellent reminder to begin planning extravagant, festive community-wide celebrations of Indigenous Peoples Day in October.

(Contact Grace Terry at graceterrywilliams@gmail.com)

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