The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People takes place annually on 9 August to celebrate Indigenous People and their knowledge and raise awareness of the needs of these groups. The Day highlights rights of Indigenous People to make their own decisions and carry them out in ways that are meaningful and culturally appropriate to them.

Indigenous People use up to around 22 to 28 percent of global land area and at least 200 groups of Indigenous People voluntarily live in isolation. They carry unique, diverse, and distinct cultures. They speak hundreds of languages, contributing to the world’s linguistic diversity, and have adapted to harsh environmental changes around them. Their food systems are largely self-sufficient, and they are considered by many to be protectors of the biodiversity on the planet.