August 9 was first proclaimed International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by
the United Nations in 1994 to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous population. This day also commemorates the achievements and contributions that Indigenous people make in the world. August 9 also marks the first time the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations met in Geneva in 1982.

This year’s theme is “Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Education.”   Please join us in celebrating the more than 370 million Indigenous Peoples across the globe, and recognizing their participation in political and cultural progress and vitality.


1. Watch a Live Webcast of the  International Day Celebration at the UN Headquarters in NY.  Tuesday, August 9, 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST.

Attend a special event online at UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, 9 August, from 3 to 6pm. The event will be webcast live at webtv.un.org.


2. Raise awareness about Indigenous Rights and International Human Rights Mechanisms through Community Media.
Share these free radio programs widely about Indigenous Rights based on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples including Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. Available inEnglish, Spanish,and several Indigenous languages. 

3. Listen to our new Indigenous Rights Radio interviews on the Right to Education.

Below is a collection of radio spots from our archives relating to the theme of Indigenous education. They are free for download and reproduction. We hope you find them useful and informative. Please reach out to us with any feedback, comments, or questions.

Click here for a complete list of our programs on Education.


4.  Share this poster by Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Right to Development.  


5.   Read the latest issue of the Cultural Survival Quarterly.

Our Cultures, Our Lands, Our Rights: CSQ 40-2, June 2016. Don’t forget to share and subscribe! 


6. Raise Awareness about Endangered Indigenous Languages. Send an ePostcard Audio Greeting

Engage your friends and family and raise awareness about endangered languages by sending an e-postcard with a Native language audio greeting.


7. Share this message and tag posts and tweets #IndigenousDay!