World Indigenous Day 2024: Meaning, Significance, Theme & more 

Indigenous People are Guardians of Mother Earth

We are all part of planet Earth, and it’s time we all stand together and be the backbone for the people who are warriors and working to build a better ecosystem. 

This international day of the world’s indigenous people, let’s all spread the message of hope, kindness, compassion and provide a space for the native spirit to thrive, prosper, and grow! 

There’s a tight-knit community of 456 million indigenous people living worldwide. They voluntarily live in isolation in the remote forests of Brazil, India, Indonesia, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, etc. They have chosen to detach from the world and live in a forest to protect their culture of being in sync with nature. Nature is the lifeline of the indigenous people. 

Every year, the World Indigenous Day celebration is celebrated on the 9th of August to raise awareness about the people, culture, and their importance to the world. 

The theme of the Indigenous Day in 2024 is “Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination.” 

World Indigenous Day Meaning 

It is one of the most important days for the indigenous people in the world. This International Indigenous Peoples Day is to promote the rights, traditions, and celebration of the community.  

The symbol of World Indigenous Day 2024 will be 2 ears of green leaves facing each other and holding a globe-like planet Earth. 

When did indigenous peoples day start? 

It started on December 23, 1994, when the UN passed a resolution to celebrate this day as a world indigenous day. But, the first day can be traced to 1982, when the UN was working on helping the community. Ever since we celebrate this day and give thanks to the community that’s so intact with nature. 

What is the purpose of world indigenous day? 

This international day of the world’s indigenous peoples raises awareness of the history and significance of world indigenous day. It also recognises the contributions and impacts the community has made in improving world issues, such as promoting mother nature. 

World Indigenous Day Awareness Programs: 

There are different activities and initiatives carried out in different parts of the world to support and promote the culture, history, and life of the Indigenous people: 

Freedom Walk in Sipekne katik, NS 

This is a simple, but meaningful event to honour those who have attended the school through walk, food and talks with the elder groups.  

Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in Ottawa, ON 

A powerful and impactful event where the community come together to perform by sharing their history and culture through music, performances and education.  

Virtual and Cultural Activities 

Digital Awareness: You can be part of this event by creating assets such as zoom background, emojis, social media awareness, etc.  

Non-profit Support 

Donations: The best way to support the community is to donate to various non-profit organisations for Indigenous people.  

Local celebrations 

Randall’s Island, NYC: This a two-day event celebrating through cultural performances, food, tribal dance, and water ceremony with speeches by guest speakers.  

Initiatives taken by universities to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day 

Here’s a list of some of the initiatives taken by universities to promote and support Indigenous Peoples Day: 

Universities in the United States of America 

University of Kansas: The university is supporting this day through: 

Promotion of Arts 

This is the best approach taken by the institution to inspire and encourage the community of Indigenous people by setting up spaces for them to express their art and promote and meet with like-minded people. 

Heritage Programs  

With so many students studying at the institution, the best way to create awareness is through cultural activities such as song, dance, and acts of the community. 

Northwestern University: The institution is supporting this day through: 

Learning about flora and fauna 

Most of the students are not aware of the facts about the community. Students are given the opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna through guided indigenous experts, etc.. 

Universities in United Kingdom 

University of Oxford: The university is supporting this day through: 

Workshops and Panel Discussions 

There’s going to be tons of workshops happening at the institution. The best approach taken by them is creating awareness through arts and culture. And then, when it comes to spreading knowledge about the community, educating the students is the best way to do it! 

Screening 

What better way to showcase and engage the students? The institution wants to make it more fun and interactive on this day by doing a film screening on everything there is to know about the Indigenous people. 

University of Edinburgh: The university is supporting this day through: 

The institution is a welcoming place where students come from all over the world. So, they’ve planned to show case the arts and culture of the community to give more knowledge to the students.  

Reminder 

If you plan to show your gratitude to the indigenous people, do it respectfully and research their culture and heritage. They have come a long way and been through nothing ordinary like you and me. They deserve a better life, and to this day, we should be grateful for having such communities dedicating their lives to nature.  

Let’s strive to make the world a better place through small initiatives, i.e., by creating awareness, and talking about the indigenous people. 

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