The global identity that defies a single definition
With populations estimated between 250 and 600 million, Indigenous peoples inhabit every continent. Yet, despite their profound impact on global biodiversity, international law lacks a universal definition for who they are, relying instead on self-identification and complex historical relationships with land.
The term 'indigenous' derives from the Latin 'indigena,' meaning 'native' or 'sprung from the land.' Historically, the phrase was used by Europeans, such as Sir Thomas Browne in 1646, to distinguish the original inhabitants of the Americas from enslaved Africans. Today, the concept has evolved far beyond colonial history. Modern understandings focus on self-identification, cultural distinctness, and a unique connection to ancestral territories, even as many groups face ongoing discrimination and threats to their sovereignty.
The lack of a formal, universal definition is a deliberate stance for many institutions. The United Nations Secretariat suggests that a single definition might be too broad or too narrow to be useful across different societies. Instead, various bodies use 'working definitions.' For instance, the International Labour Organization’s 198ability Convention focuses on groups that maintain their own social or political institutions. Others, like the World Bank, highlight the collective ancestral ties to the natural resources where these communities live or have been displaced from.
The significance of these populations extends to global survival. While Indigenous peoples make up roughly 6.2 percent of the global population, they manage about one-fifth of the Earth's surface. Their stewardship is vital; lands held by these communities often demonstrate superior carbon storage and more robust biodiversity compared to similar areas. However, these groups also face disproportionate challenges, representing 18.2 percent of those living in extreme global poverty and frequently experiencing gaps in essential services like water, electricity, and education.
Source: Indigenous peoples
