Indigenous peoples

Indigenous peoples

Indigenous peoples are groups of people who have a strong connection to the lands where their ancestors lived. They have their own unique cultures, languages, and traditions that have been passed down for many generations.

These groups often are smaller parts within larger countries, sometimes facing challenges because of this. Even though many have dealt with changes brought by people from other places, their identity isn’t just about these outside influences.

International organizations like the United Nations have created important documents to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples. These rights include the ability to make their own decisions about their communities, keep their cultures alive, and maintain access to the lands and resources they need. Despite these efforts, Indigenous communities still face difficulties in protecting their way of life and the resources important to their traditions.

Etymology

The word "Indigenous" comes from the Latin word indigena, meaning "sprung from the land, native". The Latin word indigena is built from the Old Latin word indu meaning "in, within" and gignere meaning "to beget, produce".

Definitions

There is no single definition of Indigenous peoples agreed by international law or the United Nations. Different groups have their own ways of describing who Indigenous peoples are.

Historically, Europeans used the word “indigenous” to describe the original people of the Americas, different from enslaved Africans brought there. In the 1970s, the term began to connect the experiences of colonized people around the world. The United Nations first talked about Indigenous populations in 1982.

Today, the idea of Indigenous peoples includes people who identify themselves as Indigenous, have cultural differences from other groups, a special connection to traditional lands, and have faced unfair treatment by dominant cultures.

Different organizations describe Indigenous peoples in different ways. The World Bank describes them as groups with strong ties to their ancestral lands. Some scholars say the term “Indigenous” can be complicated and may pressure groups to stay unchanged over time.

History

Classical antiquity

In ancient times, Greek writers talked about people they called the "Pelasgians". They thought the Pelasgians might have been the ancestors of the Greeks or an earlier group who lived in Greece. Writers like Homer, Hesiod, and Herodotus told stories about these people. A writer named Dionysius of Halicarnassus tried to understand these stories and decided the Pelasgians were Greek.

Africa

In early African history, people such as the Berbers, Copts, and Nubians became Christians when Europe ruled North Africa. Later, when Arab forces came in the 7th century, many Berbers were treated unfairly. Still, many kept their old ways of life. The Coptic Egyptians kept their land, language, and religion. By the 10th century, most people in North Africa spoke Arabic and followed Islam.

From 1402, the Guanche people of the Canary Islands fought against Spanish attempts to take over their islands. The islands were finally controlled by Spain in 1496.

In the early 1500s, Portuguese explorers traveled along Africa’s west coast. They set up trading places and traded goods, including people, for crops on distant islands. By 1488, Portuguese ships sailed around the southern tip of Africa, opening new trade routes to places like India and China.

In 1532, the first people from Africa were brought to the Americas as part of a trade that grew over the next centuries.

Americas

Indigenous peoples met Europeans as they sailed to new lands. The Europeans wanted trade, resources, to spread their beliefs, and to build new homes.

In 1492, the Arawak people of the Caribbean islands met Christopher Columbus and the Spanish. The Spanish made natives work and many died from diseases and conflicts.

In the 1520s, Spanish explorers came to Mesoamerica looking for gold. Some natives joined with the Spanish. Diseases weakened the Aztecs, helping the Spanish win.

In 1530, the Spanish traveled to South America and faced the Inca Empire. The Inca were defeated. The Spanish took control and set up new governments.

In the 1560s, the Spanish began settlements in Florida and later in New Mexico. Their main areas were New Spain and Peru.

In the 1600s, French, English, and Dutch set up trading posts in North America. Natives sometimes worked with Europeans, but new weapons and diseases made conflicts more deadly. Many natives lost land and lives.

By 1800, Europeans and their descendants were the majority in North America.

Natives also faced new animals and plants from Europe, changing their lands and ways of life.

Oceania

In the 1700s, Europeans began visiting the Pacific islands. Natives of places like Tahiti and the Hawaiian Islands met explorers like Cook. More contact with Europeans brought diseases and changes, and later, these islands were taken over by other countries.

The Māori of New Zealand met Europeans in the 1700s and 1800s. Missionaries came and many Māori people became Christians. Their numbers fell due to diseases, and New Zealand became a British colony in 1841.

The Aboriginal inhabitants of Australia met Europeans when British settlers arrived in 1788. Many died from diseases, lost their land, and saw their cultures change greatly.

European justifications for colonization

From the 1400s to the 1800s, European countries used different reasons to justify taking lands from Indigenous peoples. They said they had a duty to share their beliefs and bring what they saw as civilization. They also believed they could claim land that wasn’t used in ways they understood.

Some European leaders used old rules to support their claims.

Settler independence and continuing colonialism

As European colonies grew, some settlers wanted more control. For example, settlers in thirteen British American colonies won independence in 1783, forming the United States of America. The new country kept many of the old rules about taking Indigenous lands.

Population and distribution

There are between 250 million and 750 million Indigenous peoples in the world today. They belong to around 5,000 different groups and live in many parts of the world.

In different places, what it means to be Indigenous can vary. In areas like the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand, Indigenous peoples are often those whose families lived there before European settlers arrived. But in places like Asia and Africa, the idea of being Indigenous can be more complex and sometimes disputed. In Europe, there are very few groups recognized as Indigenous, with some exceptions like the Sámi.

Indigenous peoples and the environment

Many people think that Indigenous communities only hunted and gathered food. But some believe Indigenous peoples took good care of their land. They say that thinking of nature as "wilderness" without people has sometimes led to moving Indigenous communities away. This has stopped important traditions like controlled burns and planting seeds, which helped the land stay healthy.

Studies show that for thousands of years, Indigenous peoples managed their land in ways that helped plants and animals thrive. Recently, scientists found that forests in places like Indonesia are disappearing faster than we thought. This shows that both local people and big companies are harming these areas.

Some groups, like the Penan people, have special ways to care for the forest without taking too much. In 2024, at a big meeting about protecting nature, countries agreed to let Indigenous peoples share their ideas and advice to help protect the world's plants and animals.

Indigenous peoples by region

See also: List of Indigenous peoples

Indigenous populations are found all around the world. The numbers, conditions, and experiences of these groups can vary a lot within each region. Getting a full picture is tricky because of debates over who counts as part of these groups.

Africa

See also: Category:Indigenous peoples of Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa

In recent times, more African groups have asked to be recognized as Indigenous peoples. These groups often have ways of life, like being pastoralist or hunter-gatherer, that set them apart from the main society around them. They have been trying to get their rights recognized in their own countries and around the world.

North Africa

The Indigenous peoples of North Africa include the Berbers in the Maghreb and groups like the Copts and Nubians in the Nile Valley. Many of these groups have seen big changes over time.

Americas

See also: Category:Indigenous peoples of the Americas

Indigenous peoples of the Americas are those who lived in the region before European settlers arrived. They are found from the far north to the very south of Tierra del Fuego.

The arrival of Europeans brought big changes for these communities. Many faced difficulties, but many have remained strong and continue their traditions.

North America

North America is sometimes called Abya Yala or Turtle Island by Indigenous peoples.

In Mexico, many people identified as Indigenous in 2015. In Canada, Indigenous groups include the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. In the United States, many Native American tribes are recognized.

Central and South America

In some South American countries, Indigenous peoples make up a large part of the population. In Brazil, there are many Indigenous groups.

Asia

See also: Category:Indigenous peoples of Asia

West Asia

Some groups in West Asia, like the Armenians and Assyrians, have long histories in the region. Others, like the Kurds, also have deep roots.

South Asia

In India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to unique groups like the Andamanese.

Northeast Asia

In Japan, the Ainu people have been recognized for their distinct culture. Other groups, like the Tibetans, also have long histories in their homelands.

Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, groups like the Malay Singaporeans and the Dayak People of Borneo have maintained their traditions despite changes over time.

Europe

Main article: Ethnic groups in Europe

See also: Genetic history of Europe and Category:Indigenous peoples of Europe

In Europe, the idea of Indigenous peoples is used less often. Groups like the Sámi in northern areas are sometimes recognized as Indigenous.

Oceania

See also: Category:Indigenous peoples of Oceania

Australia

In Australia, Indigenous groups include Aboriginal Australian peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Pacific Islands

Many Pacific Island nations are home to Indigenous peoples who have lived there for thousands of years. Some groups, like the Māori in New Zealand, have signed important agreements to protect their rights and lands.

Indigenous rights and other issues

The 1989 ILO Convention on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples helps protect Indigenous peoples from unfair treatment. It covers their rights to development, customs, lands, jobs, education, and health. By 2013, 22 countries had agreed to follow this convention.

In 2007, the United Nations adopted a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This declaration talks about the rights of Indigenous peoples to decide their own future and protect their cultures, languages, and traditions. It also mentions their right to jobs, health, education, and natural resources. Although this declaration is not a binding treaty, some of its ideas might become international law. At least 148 countries support it.

Indigenous peoples face many challenges. Some issues are specific to certain groups, but others are common across many Indigenous communities. A major concern is the loss of their cultures and lands, and many Indigenous peoples face discrimination. Some groups, like the Sakha and Komi peoples in Russia and the Inuit in Canada’s Nunavut territory, have control over their own regions. However, even these groups face challenges, such as losing land.

Health issues

The World Health Organization helps Indigenous peoples with their health. Studies show that these communities often face health challenges. For example, they may have higher rates of diseases like diabetes and infant mortality. These issues are connected to long-standing problems such as poverty and discrimination.

Racism and discrimination

Indigenous peoples have often been treated unfairly and faced discrimination. In the past, some people called them unfair names like “barbaric” or “uncivilized.” These ideas came from European explorers and settlers. Today, many people understand the importance of respecting Indigenous cultures and lands.

Environmental injustice

Indigenous peoples have a strong connection to their land and help protect the environment. But they sometimes face problems when governments or companies want to use their land for things like mining, logging, or building dams. These activities can harm the land and disrupt nature, affecting the lives of Indigenous communities. Climate change is also a big challenge, impacting their health, jobs, and way of life.