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In celebration of the 17th anniversary of the adoption of UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Cultural Survival is taking a look back at the top wins for Indigenous Peoples over the past year. From historic land back cases to positive legal rulings, there has been important progress.

Statement by the Securing Indigenous Peoples' Rights in the Green Economy Coalition

Indigenous Peoples are at the forefront of the global energy transition, with their lands and rights increasingly threatened by the rush for critical minerals. With 54% of critical energy transition minerals (CETMs) located on or near Indigenous Peoples’ lands, they are at the very center of mineral resource extraction but, paradoxically, not front and center in the energy transition discussion.

By Rikson Karundeng

In the heart of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, a battle for survival is taking place. The ancient land of Minahasa, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and unspoiled natural beauty, is in jeopardy. Widespread mining activities, driven by corporate greed and government neglect, are destroying the region's forests, contaminating its rivers, and undermining the very fabric of Indigenous communities.

September 5 is the International Day of Indigenous Women commemorated in honor of Aymara warrior Bartolina Sisa, who in 1780, along with her husband Túpac Katari, led an important part of the Aymara-Quechua rebellion against the exploitation and abuse of Spanish colonizers in Peru. 

While too many women all over the world are still affected by violence and rights abuses, it is important to recognize the amazing work Indigenous women are doing to make change happen.

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