International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on August 9. Established by the United Nations in 1994, this day protects Indigenous rights, celebrates unique cultures, and honors contributions to environmental protection. It marks the first 1982 meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, way of life, and 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.
The core goals of World’s Indigenous Peoples Day are to raise awareness by highlighting social, economic, health, and political challenges. Additionally, to protect rights by defending land, language, and self-determination. This day also honors the many significant contributions of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by recognizing their profound traditional, environmental, and ecological knowledge.
The United Nations is working with Member States and Indigenous Peoples to advance rights-based approaches to health. The theme this year for International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is, “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.” Honouring Indigenous midwives is an opportunity to recognize their role as knowledge holders and caregivers, reaffirm the enduring value of Indigenous knowledge systems in safeguarding life, and advance culturally appropriate approaches to well-being for future generations. The UN is spotlighting the need for further investment in training for midwives and natal care and also upholding the rights of Indigenous women to make informed decisions about their own bodies and care. Additionally, the UN is challenging governments to gather the missing data that so often leaves Indigenous patients invisible in healthcare systems.
Key Facts:
- Global Population: About 476 million Indigenous peoples live across 90 countries.
- Proportion: Indigenous peoples make up less than 6% of the global population.
- Vulnerability: Indigenous peoples account for at least 15% of the world’s extreme poor.
- Cultural Diversity: Indigenous peoples represent more than 5,000 distinct cultures.
Take Action:
- Learn more about International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by visiting: https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day
- Register to attend a special virtual commemoration event taking place on August 10, 2026 from 8:30am to 10:30am EDT and learn more about this event at the following link:
https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/events/IDWIP2026
- Consider completing the United Nations Human Rights E-Learning tool on the rights of Indigenous Peoples:
https://www.ohchr.org/en/indigenous-peoples/e-learning-tool-rights-indigenous-peoples
- Explore resources on a variety of topics related to World’s Indigenous Peoples: