2025 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 communities. The Declaration affirms Indigenous peoples' entitlement to all universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms. It also reinforces existing international human rights norms, adapting them specifically to address the distinct realities and challenges faced by Indigenous populations.

This year, the United Nations marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples under the theme "Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures." While artificial intelligence offers opportunities for cultural preservation, youth engagement, and climate resilience, it also presents serious risks. AI technologies are often developed without Indigenous consultation, leading to data exploitation, cultural misrepresentation, and exclusion from decision-making processes. Furthermore, the environmental footprint of AI infrastructure threatens Indigenous lands and ecosystems, compounding existing barriers to technology access—particularly in remote regions.

Realizing AI’s full potential requires recognizing Indigenous Peoples as rights-holders, co-creators, and decision-makers. Ensuring meaningful inclusion, safeguarding data sovereignty, and fostering culturally grounded innovation are essential to making AI a tool that truly benefits their communities.

Indigenous peoples are guardians of rich cultural traditions, languages, and ancestral knowledge. Despite their vital contributions, they continue to face systemic marginalization and violations of their rights. The International Day serves as a global call to ensure that Indigenous communities are recognized as key partners in shaping the development of AI.

In recognition of this meaningful day, the Auschwitz Institute reaffirms its solidarity with Indigenous communities worldwide, highlighting the vital role of their meaningful participation in building just and inclusive technologies.

The Auschwitz Institute also continues its valued collaboration with the Lenape Center, celebrating the enduring cultural heritage of the Lenape people and their deep-rooted 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.