Jayvee Bernate 
UNESCO says that indigenous peoples occupy atleast some 22% of global land area. Numbering at least 370-500 million, Indigenous Peoples represent the greater part of the world’s cultural diversity.
Today marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People which was first established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 23, 1994. It commemorates the inaugural meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982 in Geneva. Since then, the United Nations General Assembly decided, in its resolution 49/214, that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People shall be observed on August 9th every year.
This annual event serves as a poignant reminder of the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, their invaluable contributions, and the ongoing challenges they face. Indigenous cultures contain a wealth of distinctive languages, customs, knowledge systems, and artistic expressions. Their ancestral grounds frequently provide invaluable information about biodiversity preservation and sustainable land management. Indigenous cultures are a priceless component of humanity’s collective legacy, producing priceless artwork and preserving age-old knowledge.
Even while these indigenous groups around the world and even in our own country have made essential contributions, they nevertheless face several difficulties. They struggle with difficulties like losing their land, prejudice, poverty, and a lack of access to basic services. The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples underscores the importance of advocating for their rights, safeguarding their cultural heritage, and addressing these pressing challenges.
Together, let’s unite to celebrate IPs’ enduring wisdom and contributions to the world!
