International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Celebrating International Indigenous People's Day: "Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination" a Call for Intergenerational and Cross-Culture Communication.

Dear Local, Indigenous, and Descendant (LID) Community,

Today, we recognize and honor the resilience, diversity, and contributions of Indigenous peoples around the world on the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the need for intergenerational and cross-cultural communication to address the challenges faced by indigenous communities to reclaim self-determination.

As we acknowledge the richness of indigenous cultures, let us also confront the harsh realities that many indigenous communities face, such as land rights disputes, cultural erasure, persistent social and economic disparities, and Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) degradation. It is crucial that we listen to their voices, learn from their experiences, perspectives, and worldview, and support their self-determination, sovereignty, and intellectual governance.

The United Nations initiated this day to bring attention to these pressing issues and promote indigenous peoples' rights. Events and activities held globally today, August 9, 2023, aim to educate the public and policymakers about indigenous communities' unique struggles and aspirations as emerging communities into the dominant society. We can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society by engaging in open dialogue and fostering greater understanding.

This 2023 theme, "Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination," highlights the critical role of young indigenous individuals in shaping their communities' emerging present and future. We must empower and support them in their endeavors to thrive in their cultures, languages, and traditions while also creating space for their inner development of innovative ideas and perspectives.

At K'allam'p, we believe in the importance of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice (DEI-B-J). We recognize the value of intergenerational and cross-culture communication in addressing the complex challenges faced by our indigenous communities and that these wicked problems are not isolated but rather nodal on the mycelial network. Today and every day, we commit to listening, learning, and advocating for the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their background or culture, for self-determination, symbiotic indigeneity, and 'commoning.'

I invite you to join me in observing this significant day by attending local events, engaging in meaningful conversations with indigenous communities, and amplifying their voices through your networks. Together, we can create a brighter future where everyone has the opportunity, equity, and equality to thrive and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives.

#InternationalDayOfTheWorldsIndigenousPeople #IndigenousRights #IntergenerationalCommunication #CrossCulturalUnderstanding #DiversityEquityInclusion #RespectForAll #Empowerment #SelfDetermination #YouthLeadership #CollaborationForACause #IndigenousDay #WeAreIndigenous #IndigenousYouth @InMyBloodItRuns @UN4Indigenous Kaya Kanti De Flores