Why Was World Indigenous Peoples' Day Created?

Part 1: To understand the debate surrounding World Indigenous Peoples' Day, it is essential to first understand why it was created.

The tradition of celebrating festivals in India is deeply rooted in its ancient history. In independent India, festivals, anniversaries, commemorative days, and historic milestones have been categorised as religious or social, with some officially designated for observance. Over time, some of these occasions have been celebrated with excessive zeal, often fuelled by misconceptions and collective enthusiasm.

From an entrepreneurial perspective, a number of special days—such as Rose Day, Friendship Day, Valentine’s Day, and Father-Mother's Day—were introduced with a global outlook, particularly to appeal to college students and the youth. Initially, these days were celebrated with creativity and genuine enthusiasm, turning ordinary moments into expressions of love and friendship. Over time, they descended into exaggerated, sometimes absurd displays, losing their original charm.

Whether one supports or opposes the commercialisation of such days—religious, social, or economic—is ultimately a matter of perspective. They have become part of the modern tapestry of human expression, woven with both genuine sentiment and commercial interests.

What is the true significance of this day? Is there any connection between India and World Tribals Day? Who initiated it, when, why, and for what purpose? To answer these questions, its origins and history must first be understood.

The World Human Rights Commission became active in 1990 to raise awareness of the living conditions, rights, and freedoms of people worldwide. Building on these concerns, the United Nations (UNO) initiated surveys and seminars. During the UNESCO meeting in Geneva in 1992, a significant resolution was passed in response to the plight of indigenous and tribal communities worldwide, highlighting the need to address their struggles and preserve their cultural identities.

The 45-point resolution was divided into eight sections. While drafting it, the issues under consideration had no relation to India. At the time of signing, the Indian government's delegation explicitly clarified:

"We are signing this in the interest of the world, but we want to make it clear that all the indigenous peoples living in India (excluding groups such as Christians, Muslims, Jews, Parsis, and other religious followers) are native."

The resolution primarily addressed countries where European invaders displaced and enslaved indigenous populations, branded them uncivilised and savage, and claimed ownership of their ancestral lands. In many regions, however, indigenous communities resisted fiercely and eventually regained their independence.

During the colonial era, European powers used various methods of domination, creating ideological narratives that continue to influence historical interpretations. The British made extensive efforts to falsely portray India by promoting the theory that Aryans came from outside India, invaded the non-Aryans, and destroyed their culture, religion, and land.

India nevertheless opposed the resolution in its existing form, arguing that it addressed countries where European powers—particularly Spain, Portugal, France, and Britain—had colonised indigenous populations, deprived them of independence and fundamental rights, and subjected them to centuries of oppression.

Although European invaders conquered many countries within a relatively short period, India resisted British rule throughout its 150 years of colonisation.

Alongside European armies, missionaries spread across the world, a phenomenon that continues today. Many indigenous peoples were killed or converted to Christianity. In India too, efforts were made to promote religious conversion, while those who refused continued to preserve their traditional beliefs despite growing Western influence.

After 1947, India and many other former British colonies gained independence, shattering Britain's long-held dream of global dominance. Britain feared that a united India would emerge as a major world power and therefore employed various strategies to divide the country, including the use of indigenous and tribal identities for political purposes.

Different indigenous communities around the world have interpreted these historical developments in different ways. Indigenous peoples such as Native Americans, Indigenous Australians, Papuans, Maori, and communities in Africa and Latin America occupied their lands long before European colonisation. Civilisations such as the Maya and the Inca were destroyed through conquest. India does not fall within this historical framework.

By the end of the 21st century, indigenous issues gained increasing global attention through the United Nations. The year 1993 was observed as the International Year of Indigenous Peoples, followed by the Decade of Indigenous Peoples (1994–2004) to support their development and promote awareness of their culture and way of life.

The initiative recognised the right of indigenous peoples to preserve their unique way of life, protect their cultural, spiritual, and linguistic heritage, safeguard their identity, and live free from genocide and violence. It also affirmed their rights to self-identification, education, traditional knowledge, ancestral lands, information, and the preservation of their history, language, traditions, and community identity.

(The writer is a social worker engaged in tribal welfare. Views personal.)