8 Things to do on International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

August 9 was first proclaimed International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples by the United Nations in 1994 to promote and protect the rights of the world's Indigenous population. This day also commemorates the achievements and contributions that Indigenous people make in the world. August 9 also marks the first time the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations met in Geneva in 1982.

This year's theme is "Bridging the gap: implementing the rights of Indigenous Peoples."

8 Things to do on International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Watch a Live Webcast of the International Day Celebration at the UN Headquarters in NY.

Friday, August 8,

3:00pm - 6:00pm EST.

Attend a special event online at UN Headquarters in New York will be held on Friday, 8 August, from 3 to 6pm, featuring the UN Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly, the Vice Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, a delegate from a member State, a representative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights, and an indigenous representative. The event will be webcast live at webtv.un.org.

2. Make Your Voice Heard about Indigenous Peoples' Rights.

The Olkaria geothermal plant in Kenya, funded by the World Bank and supported by the UN Environmental Program, is in its fourth phase of the development. With each new phase, the Maasai of the Naivasha region have been evicted from their homes-without their Free, Prior and Informed Consent. Call on the World Bank, the UN Environmental Program, and other collaborators to implement their policies through adequate compensation determined in consultation with the Maasai people. Take Action Now.

3. Raise awareness about Indigenous Rights and International Human Rights Mechanisms through Community Media.

Share these free radio programs widely about Indigenous Rights based on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples including Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. Available in English, Spanish, and several Indigenous languages.

4. Get ready for the World Conference of Indigenous Peoples.

High-level Plenary Meeting of the UN General Assembly, to be known as the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, will be held on September 22-23, 2014 in order to share perspectives and best practices on the realization of the rights of Indigenous peoples, including to pursue the objectives of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Read the Zero Draft Outcome Document and send comments to findlay@un.org, indigenous_un@un.org.

5. Share this poster by Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Right to Development.