✴It is indigenous people’s day today✴- a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It began as a counter-celebration held on the same day as the U.S. federal holiday of Columbus Day, which honors Italian Christopher Columbus- many now reject celebrating him, saying that he represents “the violent history of the colonization in the Western Hemisphere” believe that this holiday is a sanitation or covering-up of Christopher Columbus’ actions such as enslaving Native Americans. “Indigenous Peoples’ Day is about acknowledging indigenous peoples’ complex history in this country and celebrating the culture, heritage, and strength of native communities everywhere!” Indigenous societies are found in every inhabited climate zone and continent of the world.
Since indigenous peoples are often faced with threats to their sovereignty, economic well-being and their access to the resources on which their cultures depend, political rights have been set forth in international law by international organizations such as the United Nations, the International Labour Organization and the the World Bank.
The United Nations has issued a Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) to guide member-state national policies to the collective rights of indigenous peoples, such as culture, identity, language and access to employment, health, education and natural resources. Estimates put the total population of indigenous peoples from 220 million to 350 million.
They all face the same harsh realities: eviction from their ancestral lands, being denied the opportunity to express their culture, physical attacks and treatment as second-class citizens.
Indigenous peoples are often marginalized and face discrimination in countries’ legal systems, leaving them even more vulnerable to violence and abuse. Indigenous human rights defenders who speak out face intimidation and violence, often supported by the state. In addition, individuals may be physically attacked and killed just for belonging to an Indigenous people.
THIS NEEDS TO STOP!
#indigenouspeoplesday
#indigenouspeople
#indigenouspeoples
The gal chasing the green dream with chronic illnesses 