August 9 of every year marks the United Nations’ International Day of the World's Indigenous People, and this year the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will be celebrating the event at the UN headquarters. The celebration, to be held from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. on August 10, will include messages from the UN Secretary General and the chair of the Permanent Forum, musical performances by Indigenous artists, and a discussion of the issues around HIV/AIDS and Indigenous Peoples. The day will also be celebrated by Indigenous communities around the world in special events, radio and TV broadcasts, and musical performances. Click here for more information on the UN event.
On December 23 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided to celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous People on 9 August every year during the Decade of the World's Indigenous People. In 2004 the Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade. The goal of this Decade is to further strengthen international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by indigenous people in such areas as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment, and social and economic development. To read more about the first Decade of the World's Indigenous People go here.
