Indigenous peoples
"The term ‘Indigenous peoples’ is to be understood in the context of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention (No. 169) concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries as:
1. tribal peoples in independent countries whose social, cultural and economic conditions distinguish them from other sections of the national community, and whose status is regulated wholly or partially by their own customs or traditions or by special laws or regulations;
Indigenous peoples: An official definition of indigenous peoples has not yet been adopted by any United Nations body. According to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the system has instead developed a modern understanding of this term based on the following:
- Self-identification as indigenous peoples at the individual level and accepted by the community as their member.
- Historical continuity with pre-colonial and or pre-settler societies
- Strong links to territories and surrounding natural resources
- Distinct social, economic and political system
- Distinct language, culture and beliefs
- Form non-dominant groups of society
- Resolve to maintain and reproduce their ancestral environments and systems as distinctive peoples and communities
'Indigenous peoples' is a generic term but in some countries there is a preference for other terms, such as first peoples/nations, aboriginals, ethnic groups, etc.
With reference to the Sustainable Development Goals, established by the United Nations (SDG 2030) and the Policy for the Integration of a Sustainable Development Perspective into the processes of the World Heritage Convention, adopted by the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention in 2015, the States Parties should recognise that full inclusion, respect and equity of all stakeholders, including local and concerned communities and indigenous peoples, together with a commitment to gender equality, is a fundamental premise for inclusive social development. Enhancing quality of life and well-being in and around World Heritage properties is essential, taking into account also communities who might not visit or reside in or near properties but are still stakeholders. These aspects are at the heart of the implementation of Article 5 of the Convention.
Source(s):
International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention (No. 169)
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/5session_factsheet1.pdf