7 Actions to Take on Int'l Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2026

Country

Global

agnes

Sun, 08/09/2026 - 09:32

Issues

Human Rights

Program

5

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August 9 is

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

(August 9). Every day, we honor the sovereignty, richness, and beauty of Indigenous Peoples, languages, and lifeways.

The first meeting of the

United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations

was held in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 9, 1982. Since then, many spaces have opened up for Indigenous voices to be heard, and new agreements protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples have been adopted. While we celebrate these outcomes, we also recognize that the promise of human rights for Indigenous Peoples worldwide remains unfulfilled. In many parts of the world, Indigenous Peoples are still facing grave human rights abuses and challenges.

This year's theme is

“Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.”

Indigenous Peoples, our values, and knowledge systems hold solutions to today’s greatest challenges, including climate change, ecocide, and biodiversity loss. But all too often, we are not listened to, consulted, nor given seats at the tables where important decisions that impact us are being made. At Cultural Survival, we are working around the world and around the clock to support the priorities of Indigenous Nations and communities that are protecting Mother Earth for generations to come and for the millions of people, plant, animal, and mineral relatives that share our homelands.

7 Actions to Take on Int'l Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

1. Demand Justice for Indigenous Defenders in Mexico and Colombia

Join the

In Memoriam Campaign for Justice for Indigenous Defenders

killed in Mexico and Colombia, where Indigenous defenders continue to face deadly violence for defending their rights, lands, and territories.

We call on the governments of Colombia and Mexico to investigate attacks against Indigenous defenders, ensure their protection, and deliver justice.

Read the report:

cs.org/inmemoriam2025

Sign the petitions:

Colombia:

https://bit.ly/IndigenousDefendersColombia

Mexico:

https://bit.ly/IndigenousDefendersMexico

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Tag the authorities:

Mexico