U.N. marks International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, Sunday-Monday, August 9-10

August 8, 3:35 PMPhoenix Progressive ExaminerDebbie Jordan

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U.N. Indigenous People logo.

August 9 has been set aside by the United Nations to remember the special needs of various ethnic groups native to different regions of the earth. These are the people who often fall into the lowest economic levels of society. Many inhabit areas that are rich with natural resources but they have little or no control over how those resources are used.

Throughout history, those natural resources were often stolen by foreigners from technically advanced countries, while native peoples were often used as cheap labor to aid in that exploitation. In the 21st century, more people are becoming aware of the damage that such practices do, both to the lush lands around the earth and to the people who’ve lived in those areas for thousands of years.

In places such as the United States, where few natives cooperated with this type of bondage, the goal became to destroy the various tribal cultures, or in too many cases, to actually destroy the native people themselves. Sadly, much of that effort was successful. Thankfully, the tide has begun to turn, but not fast enough. We must give attention to the needs of people who’ve been so badly abused and rarely helped to advance in ways that benefited their best interests and their indigenous cultures, including their original languages.

It should be noted that since August 9 falls on Sunday this year, ceremonies will take place on Monday, December 10. Following is the official statement explaining the purpose and goals of the day:

Secretary-General's Message:

The world’s indigenous peoples – 370 million in 70 countries -- are the custodians of some of the most biologically diverse areas on earth. They speak a majority of the world’s languages, and their traditional knowledge, cultural diversity and sustainable ways of life make an invaluable contribution to the world’s common heritage.

"The adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the General Assembly in 2007 was a landmark in the struggle of indigenous peoples for justice, equal rights and development. There have also been recent welcome steps at the national level; some governments have apologized to indigenous peoples for past injustices, and others have advanced legislative and constitutional reforms.

"Still, indigenous peoples remain some of the most marginalized populations, suffering disproportionately from poverty and inadequate access to education. Many face discrimination and racism on a daily basis. All too often, their languages face strictures or are threatened with extinction, while their territories are sacrificed for mining and deforestation.

"Indigenous peoples also tend to suffer from the low standards of health associated with poverty, malnutrition, environmental contamination and inadequate healthcare. With that in mind, this year’s observance of the International Day focuses on the threat of HIV/AIDS. It is essential that indigenous peoples have access to the information and infrastructure necessary for detection, treatment and protection.

"Insufficient progress in health, in particular, points to a persistent and profound gap in many countries between the formal recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights and the actual situation on the ground. On this International Day, I call on Governments and civil society to act with urgency and determination to close this implementation gap, in full partnership with indigenous peoples."

Ban Ki-moon