International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples celebrates the unique cultures, histories, and contributions of over 476 million Indigenous people worldwide, while also highlighting their ongoing struggles, including land rights, environmental justice, and cultural preservation. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples?

👉 Official Name: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
💚 Cause: Recognizing the rights and contributions of Indigenous peoples
📅 Next Date: August 9, 2025
🌐 Official Website: https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day
🐦 Hashtag: #WeAreIndigenous #IndigenousPeoplesDay

Keep on reading to find out all the important information about International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples at a glance, including its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again. 

The Most Important Information About International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples at a Glance

1️⃣ The big picture: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples highlights the complex challenges faced by Indigenous communities globally, including the loss of traditional lands, cultural erasure, and systemic underrepresentation in political and economic decision-making. It’s also a time to celebrate the cultures and contributions of these communities to society.

2️⃣ Why it is important: Indigenous peoples often experience marginalization and exclusion from decision-making processes affecting their lands and lives. For example, Indigenous peoples protect 80% of the world’s biodiversity and contribute to sustainable practices that help fight climate change, but they have only been allowed to participate in global climate change agreements since 2004. As another example, Indigenous languages are rapidly disappearing, with over 40% of the world’s 7,000 languages at risk of extinction. Furthermore, Indigenous people rank highest in prison populations, illiteracy, and unemployment, with life expectancy up to 20 years shorter than non-Indigenous people.

3️⃣ How you can get involved: You can get involved in International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by joining advocacy efforts, supporting Indigenous-led organizations, and spreading awareness through social media:

• Advocate for Policy Change: Support organizations that advocate Indigenous rights, such as land ownership, environmental protection, and access to education and healthcare. You can join advocacy campaigns or contact local representatives to push for policy reforms.
• Support Indigenous Organizations: Donate to or collaborate with Indigenous-led organizations focusing on land rights, education, and cultural preservation.
• Learn and Share: Educate yourself about Indigenous cultures and the issues they face, then spread awareness through social media using the official hashtags #WeAreIndigenous and #IndigenousPeoplesDay.

Below are our favorite charities that are especially relevant for International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples:

• Best Charities for Climate Change
• Best Charities for Native Americans

A Brief History of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

When was this event established: The United Nations declared August 9 as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in 1994, marking the anniversary of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.

How has it developed since then: Since its inception, International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples has contributed to increased global recognition of the need for protections to safeguard Indigenous rights, cultures, and traditional ways of life. The day continues to serve as a platform to support global Indigenous movements that fight for equality and justice, with each year focusing on a specific theme, such as education, health, or environmental justice. For example, in 2023, the theme centered on “Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change,” highlighting the role of younger generations in shaping the future of their communities, while the 2024 theme was “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact”.

3 Interesting Facts About International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

1. Embracing Cultural Significance: In recent years, numerous landmarks and areas worldwide have been renamed to honor Indigenous cultures and acknowledge their historical significance. For example, in the United States, the US Board on Geographic Names renamed “Mount McKinley” back to its original name, “Denali,” honoring the native Koyukon Athabascan people. In Canada, the renaming of “Lake Winnipeg” to “Weenipagamiksaguygun”, reflects a commitment to respect Indigenous heritage. And, in Australia, the iconic “Ayres Rock” was officially renamed “Uluru”, restoring its Aboriginal name.
2. Disparities in Mental Health: Indigenous people often face significant mental health challenges, with suicide rates in some Indigenous communities being up to three times higher than the global average. These high rates are linked to historical trauma, cultural loss, systemic discrimination, and inadequate access to mental health services.
3. Indigenous Self-Advocacy: Indigenous-led conservation initiatives have grown increasingly successful, with several major wins in recent years. For example, in 2023, the Blackfeet Nation secured permanent protection for Badger-Two Medicine in Montana, a sacred site, after years of negotiating with developers to relinquish their oil and gas leases. As another example, in the same year, the Biden administration imposed a 20-year mining ban around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, an area that is home to over 250 wildlife species and 225,000 acres of land critical for subsistence resources like wild rice for the Anishinaabe people. 

Upcoming Dates of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed every year on August 9.

Never Miss an Awareness Event Again

Sources

• Amnesty International: Indigenous Peoples.
• United Nations: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
• Springer Nature: The Role of Indigenous People In Combating Climate Change
• United Nations: Disappearing Indigenous Languages
• Human Rights Careers: Indigenous Human Rights Organizations
• Grounds Well: Indigenous Non-Profits
• Social: Themes
• National Park Service: Mt McKinley or Denali?
• Nature Resources: Indigenous Place Names
• Parks Australia: Ayres Rock or Uluru?
• Center for Suicide Prevention: Indigenous Peoples and Trauma
• Wilderness: 9 Indigenous-Led Conservation Wins