International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples Date in the current year: August 9, 2024

Indigenous peoples are groups historically associated with a specific territory. Most of them have preserved traditional ways of living. In many countries, indigenous population has been subject to marginalization, exploitation and oppression by dominant ethnic groups or colonial authorities.

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples aims to raise public awareness of the achievements and contributions of indigenous people to the improvement of world issues. It also focuses on the promotion and protection of the indigenous rights, such as the right to preserve their land and cultural heritage.

On August 9, governments of Member States, UN and international organizations, and indigenous peoples groups are encouraged to organize events aimed at highlighting the importance of the rights of indigenous peoples across the world.

In Suriname, International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples has been celebrated as a public holiday since 2007. It honors the culture of Suriname's original inhabitants, Amerindians, who form 3.7% of the country's population.