Every year, August 9 pays tribute to Indigenous communities around the world. It is a time to raise awareness and continue the pursuit and protection of rights for the Indigenous population. In addition, it is a day to reflect on the achievements and environmental contributions Indigenous people have made to help better our planet.
There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous people in the world, living across 90 countries. The word ‘indigenous’ refers to the people living in their native area, communicating through their ethnic language. These communities have their own set of languages, traditions, cultures and governing systems.
Since the Indigenous community is so expansive, August 9 has rendered itself to be a day of education, awareness and support, rather than a traditional celebration. There are a variety of ways to participate in International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This can include:
- Listen to podcasts produced by Indigenous people or featuring Indigenous people
- Support Indigenous-run businesses
- Donate to local Indigenous communities
- Share information on social media regarding the holiday
- Attend in-person or virtual webinars, conferences, or events
- Listen, read, or explore media created by Indigenous artists
- Sign petitions and take action to help protect Indigenous lands
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