“That hand is not the color of yours, but if I prick it, the blood will flow, and I shall feel pain. The blood is of the same color as yours. God made me, and I am a Man.” – Standing Bear

Indigenous people are the first inhabitants of the Earth and their descendants, the true natives. Also, they are distinct social and cultural groups that share collective ancestral ties to the lands and natural resources where they live, occupy, or from which they have been displaced. Moreover, 22% of the global land area is owned, occupied, or used by indigenous people( 370-500 million people). They live in all continents from the Arctic to the Pacific, via Asia, Africa, and the Americas. 

These people have retained social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural differences, indigenous people from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct people.

Indigenous Peoples have sought recognition of their identities, way of life, and their right to traditional lands, territories, and natural resources for years, yet throughout history, their rights have always been violated. Indigenous people 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.

There is no singularly authoritative definition of indigenous people under international law and policy. Plus the Indigenous Declaration does not set out any clear definition. Also since indigenous peoples’ situations and contexts are highly variable any single definition will not fully capture the full diversity of the indigenous people of the world. Its articles 9 and 33 states that indigenous people and individuals have the right to belong to an indigenous community or nation, in accordance with the traditions and customs of the community or nation concerned, and that they have the right to determine their own identity. 

We could see many outstanding leaders who have indigenous backgrounds. Fawn R. Sharp serves as the 23rd President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native tribal government organization in the country. President Sharp is the current Vice President of the Quinault Indian Nation in Taholah, Washington, after being a five-term past-President.

Representing the Forum’s Global Shaper Guatemala City Hub, Fernanda founded the first NGO on epilepsy in Guatemala at the age of 17 to provide support and raise awareness for the over 50 million people battling the disease around the world. As part of the Global Shapers Community, she addresses issues of inclusion of people with disabilities, inter-religious and cultural dialogue, and climate action.

Harmony Jade Sugaq Wayner is a tribal member of Naknek Native Village, a commercial fisher in the Bristol Bay salmon fleet, and a marine scientist focused on sustainable rural food systems to promote indigenous values and well-being in Alaskan villages. She is the Vice-Chair of the Arctic Youth Network, an Arctic Frontiers Emerging Leader, an Indigenous fellow for the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee, and an Alaska Sea Grant Fellow. She is most passionate about elevating the voices of Indigenous communities in Alaska by integrating Western science and Indigenous knowledge to promote sustainable societies.

These are the best examples of indigenous people leading the world. As previously also described indigenous people are mostly true natives of lands. It’s the world’s responsibility to protect their distinct cultures and rights for future generations as well. 

Written by: Sadini Silva

Graphic design by: Nisal Dilmith