International Day of the World's Indigenous People, 9 August

Indigenous and tribal peoples are entitled to live and to work in dignity.

The world is enriched by their heritage yet they continue to face major challenges in securing a future with dignity and respect for the integrity of their past. In a competitive socio-economic context with growth patterns that commonly work against them, including through the progressive destruction of their natural environment, indigenous and tribal peoples are more often than not among the most disadvantaged of their societies, deeply affected by poverty and social exclusion.

Since 1957 the ILO’s standards system has embraced indigenous and tribal peoples. This was taken further in 1989 with the adoption of Convention No. 169, the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention. It provides direction for promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples in inclusive development approaches.

Decent income and employment opportunities are a major avenue in shaping a better and sustainable future. ILO Convention No. 111 on discrimination in respect of employment and occupation also provides pertinent guidance.

With the theme “Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future” this year’s observance highlights the role and wealth of artistic creation among indigenous peoples.

In crafting their own future, indigenous and tribal peoples can also draw on their traditional culture as a source of income and employment generation on terms that are fair and to their benefit. For example, the ILO is collaborating with the Tboli people of Lake Sebu in the Philippines on training and market access for the Tnalak cloth of women dream weavers who are pursuing this traditional occupation as a source of employment in the present.

In crafting their own future, the voice and participation of indigenous and tribal peoples is indispensable. They must be heard and heeded in the decisions that impact on their present and future. This is a keystone of dignity, respect and equity.

We are committed to working in partnership with indigenous and tribal peoples putting the ILO’s standards and tools at the service of all who share the goal of promoting their social, economic and cultural well-being.

The plight of so many indigenous and tribal peoples is a reminder of the urgent need for a new era of social justice with patterns of growth that serve all peoples.