From land rights victories to calls for justice, Indigenous communities across the globe are making their voices heard.
United Nations - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres marked the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples with a powerful call to action. Highlighting the crucial role Indigenous Peoples play as stewards of biodiversity and environmental guardians, Guterres urged the international community to protect their rights and ensure their survival. He condemned the violence and threats faced by Indigenous communities worldwide and emphasized the need to respect their right to self-determination, particularly for those in voluntary isolation or initial contact.
United States - A landmark report on Federal Indian Boarding Schools has reignited demands for the U.S. government to return lands seized from Native nations to establish these institutions. The report, which details the devastating impact of boarding schools on Indigenous communities, calls for restorative action, including the return of a 1,200-acre site in Rapid City, South Dakota, that has been the subject of a decades-long dispute. This "land-back" movement is gaining momentum as a crucial step towards healing and reconciliation.
Canada - Ashley Callingbull has made history as the first Indigenous woman to be crowned Miss Universe Canada. Callingbull, who is also the first woman over 28 to win the title, will represent Canada at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year. A vocal advocate for Indigenous rights, Callingbull uses her platform to raise awareness about violence against Indigenous women, access to clean drinking water, environmental protection, and issues within the foster care system.
Australia - A recent government report reveals that Australia is struggling to meet its targets for improving the lives of its Indigenous population. Only five out of 19 measures aimed at addressing the socio-economic disparities faced by Indigenous Australians are on track. This news underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving reconciliation and justice for Indigenous communities in Australia.
Bangladesh - Over 100 Indigenous Bawm people have been arbitrarily arrested in the Chittagong Hill Tracts following a bank robbery in April. The military accuses them of being terrorists or supporters of the Kuki-Chin National Front, allegedly responsible for the robbery. Amnesty International has condemned the crackdown and called for the immediate release of all civilians, highlighting the history of persecution and discrimination against Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh.
Nepal - In a landmark decision, Nepal officially recognized the Humlo people as an Indigenous nationality. This recognition grants the Humlo, a community of approximately 6,000 people with distinct language and cultural practices, access to state-provided protections and services. This move marks a significant step towards acknowledging and protecting the diverse cultural heritage of Nepal.
South Africa - The 350th anniversary of the death of Krotoa, a pivotal figure in South African history, was commemorated with exhibitions, plays, and music. Krotoa, a Khoi woman who served as a translator and mediator between Dutch settlers and Indigenous communities in the 17th century, is remembered as a symbol of resilience and cultural exchange.
Guatemala - Indigenous communities in Sayaxché have taken a stand against palm oil company Tikindustrias, S.A., halting its operations in a dispute over land rights. The communities are demanding recognition of their long-established right of way through the company's land, which they claim has been denied for over a decade.
Peru - A Peruvian court has upheld the recognition of the Marañón River as a rights-bearing entity. This significant ruling, the result of an Indigenous women's lawsuit, establishes a standard for Amazonian environmental protection and Indigenous rights. The ruling recognizes the river's inherent rights, distinct from property rights, and empowers Indigenous communities to protect their ancestral lands and waterways.
Mexico - Indigenous organizations are raising concerns over the increasing criminalization of Indigenous defenders in Mexico. They denounce arbitrary detentions, prolonged pre-trial detentions, and excessive sentences based on fabricated charges, highlighting a pattern of racism and disproportionate violence by the state.
Panama - Socio-environmental groups have met with Canadian officials to discuss a report on human rights abuses during protests against a mining contract in Panama. The report documents deaths, injuries, arbitrary detentions, and criminal charges against activists and community members who participated in the protests.
These stories highlight the ongoing struggles and triumphs of Indigenous Peoples worldwide. From protecting their ancestral lands and cultural heritage to demanding justice and equality, Indigenous communities are at the forefront of movements for social and environmental change.