2026 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

The Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities (AIPG) commemorates August 9 as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This global observance was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994 through Resolution 49/214, in recognition of the first session of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, which convened in 1982.

Adopted on September 13, 2007, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is regarded as the most comprehensive international framework for safeguarding the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration affirms their entitlement to all universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms while recognizing their distinct identities, cultures, institutions, and traditions.

This year, the United Nations marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples under the theme "Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being." The theme recognizes the essential role Indigenous midwives play in preserving Indigenous knowledge systems, supporting community well-being, and ensuring the continuity of cultural traditions across generations. Their work reflects holistic approaches to care that connect health, culture, spirituality, community, and the natural environment.

Despite their invaluable contributions, Indigenous midwives continue to face discrimination and barriers to the recognition of their knowledge and practices within health systems and public policy. Supporting Indigenous-led systems of care and ensuring access to culturally appropriate services are essential to advancing the rights, dignity, and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous Peoples are guardians of rich cultural traditions, languages, and ancestral knowledge that have sustained communities for generations. Recognizing and protecting these knowledge systems strengthens more inclusive societies, promotes respect for human rights, and contributes to preventing the exclusion and marginalization that too often place Indigenous communities at greater risk.

In recognition of this meaningful day, the Auschwitz Institute reaffirms its solidarity with Indigenous communities worldwide and recognizes the vital contributions of Indigenous midwives to safeguarding life, strengthening cultural continuity, and promoting the well-being of present and future generations.

The Auschwitz Institute recognizes the Lenape people, the original stewards of the land on which its New York Office is located, and honors their enduring connection to Lenapehoking, their ancestral homeland. In recognition of this bond, the staff of AIPG’s New York Office acknowledge their presence on Manahahtaan, the name for Manhattan in the Munsee dialect of Lenape, and honor their position as guests on Lenape land. As we commemorate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we reaffirm our commitment to respecting the rights, histories, and enduring contributions of Indigenous communities around the world.