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August 9th • Culture & Heritage

Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

A day to celebrate the 476 million indigenous people living across 90 countries. Indigenous cultures hold the keys to protecting biodiversity and maintaining a balanced relationship with our planet. Today, we debate the preservation of ancestral knowledge, the struggle for land rights, and how modern society can learn from those who have lived in harmony with nature for millennia.

A symbol of indigenous heritage and land

Speaking Discussion

  • What is the difference between local knowledge and indigenous knowledge? Why is the latter so important for science?
  • In your country, how are the rights of indigenous or minority groups protected? Is it enough?
  • Why does modern society often view traditional ways of life as outdated rather than sustainable?
  • How can we ensure that indigenous languages are passed down to future generations in a globalised world?
  • Do you think it is ethical for modern companies to use indigenous medical knowledge to create expensive drugs?
  • If you could spend one month living with an indigenous community in the Amazon or the Arctic, what is the one thing you would hope to learn?

Activity 1: The Guardians' Proposal

The Task: You are a Climate Change Advisor. You need to propose one way to integrate indigenous land management into modern environmental policy.

Explain your idea. How will it save the planet?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "I think protecting traditional knowledge is vital because..."
  • "The biggest challenge for indigenous groups today is..."
  • "In my opinion, the best way to respect other cultures is..."