Born on August 9
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
Many peoples, many tongues.
Next: August 9, 2027
Where it comes from
On 9 August 1982 the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations met for the first time, in Geneva. It gave Indigenous peoples a place to speak at the UN, and its work led to a draft declaration on their rights.
How it's celebrated
UN agencies, including UNESCO, mark the day with events and campaigns, and the General Assembly encouraged governments to observe it at home. Indigenous communities share their music, dance, crafts, food and stories, and museums, schools and libraries hold talks and screenings.
Did you know
Indigenous people make up less than 6 per cent of the world's population but speak most of its estimated 7,000 languages.
Read the full story of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
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Leo · July 23 – August 22 · Fire sign
Warm, generous and made for the spotlight.