indigenous

Indigenous refers to culturally distinct groups that are the original inhabitants of a region and maintain a long-standing relationship with their traditional lands, languages, and social practices. Across disciplines such as anthropology, law, and human rights, the term is used to describe communities with historical continuity with pre-colonial societies.

According to international usage, indigenous peoples have historical continuity with pre-colonial societies, maintain distinct cultural identities and political or social structures, and preserve strong ties to their lands and resources. This framing emphasizes enduring connection to territory, self-determination, and the preservation of cultural practices.

They often pursue recognition of land and resource rights, self-determination, protection of languages and cultures, and meaningful participation in governance. Many have faced colonization, forced assimilation, displacement, and discrimination, though some have achieved varying degrees of formal recognition, autonomy, or self-government.

There are thousands of indigenous groups worldwide, including the Saami of Northern Europe, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia, and numerous communities across the Americas, Asia, and Africa. International instruments such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and ILO Convention 169 address rights and protections, while regional and national laws provide additional recognition.

Term usage varies by region and preference; some use “indigenous peoples” as a plural label, while others use “First Nations,” “Aboriginal,” or region-specific names. The term is continually evolving in response to cultural self-identification and legal frameworks.