There are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in the world, living across 90 countries. They make up less than 5 percent of the world’s population, but protect over 80% of the world’s biodiversity. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.
The inheritors and practitioners of these unique cultures represent a continuum of intellect and creativity throughout history. These are distinct from dominant societies and they have a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things. This is often manifested through ceremony and storytelling with an emphasis on community, cooperation and a responsibility to protect the environment.
Indigenous peoples from around the world have repeatedly had their sovereignty, land and basic human rights violated by colonial powers, extractive industries, land grabbing/corporate greed and exploitation for monetary gain. Since the earliest conquests of Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas, the population of first nations has dropped with an estimated 90% worldwide, known as the 500 year holocaust.
It’s time we stand united!
What We Do
As an ally of indigenous peoples, our objectives are to;
- show the important role indigenous people play in protecting the environment and encourage both general public and those in a position of power to be indigenous allies,
- promote the universal indigenous values of community, cooperation, relationship to nature and ceremony (music, art, dance) as important tools for connection,
- support indigenous people in sharing their own stories by providing a global platform for their voice to be heard,
- tackle mis-representation and stereotypical documentation of indigenous peoples. Ensuring contemporary indigenous cultures are represented through self-documentation methods.
How We Do It
By upholding the UN’s declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) with an emphasis on the right to self-determination and the protection of indigenous lands .
Our most important vehicle for influencing change and support for indigenous rights is the climate crisis, as such we work closely with the concerned and affected communities to assure local impact and solutions. On the other side, we educate people about the importance of those collaborations by creating and showcasing stories that highlight the important role indigenous people play as protectors of the land, air and water who are fighting on the front lines of climate change on behalf of us all, to inspire, motivate and garner further support.
Our mission is to challenge the status quo of dominant culture by offering alternative narratives and inspiring dialogue, aimed at creating as many new indigenous allies around the world as possible. This means to actively recognize and disrupt oppressive forces by informing others about both the histories and current realities of these marginalized communities.
People’s Planet Project
Free West Papua Campaign
Anangu Ngangkari Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation
Amazon Frontlines
NOOR Images & Foundation
Mabikas Foundation
Cultural Survival
Indigenous Education Foundation Of Tanzania
Netherlands Association for North American Indians
We Matter Campaign
Wadeken Wasjibon Maria
Voices of Amerikua
Ruigoord
Heroes & Friends
Jaguar Siembra
The Land Portal
The Sinchi Network
We believe mutual understanding and cooperation can only be reached through the exchange of ideas and sharing of resources. Our aspiration is to connect communities with organisations, creatives, press and venues who support indigenous causes.
Culture takes diverse forms across time and space. This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness and plurality of the identities of the groups and societies making up humankind. As a source of exchange, innovation and creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity and should be recognized and affirmed for the benefit of present and future generations
UN’s declaration on cultural diversity
Sinchi Indigenous Artist Awards
Competition is closed
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