The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on August 9th. This day is dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of the world’s indigenous populations. It also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues.
Recognizing the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is one way to highlight the following:
Preservation of Traditions
Indigenous peoples have rich and diverse cultures, languages, and traditions that are an integral part of the world’s cultural heritage. Recognizing this day brings awareness to the preservation and promotion of these unique cultures.
Contributions to Society
Indigenous peoples have made significant contributions in various fields, including environmental conservation, medicine and the arts.
Raising Awareness
This day raises awareness about the rights of Indigenous peoples and marginalization and violations of basic human rights that some may face.
Environmental Stewardship
Indigenous peoples are often at the forefront of environmental conservation efforts. Recognizing this day supports their role as stewards of the land and their contributions to sustainable development.
Global Unity
Recognizing the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples fosters a sense of global unity, it encourages collaborative efforts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, governments, organizations and communities to address common challenges.
In recognizing this day, we also pause to acknowledge achievements of some notable indigenous people in healthcare. These individuals have not only excelled in the medical field but have also made significant contributions to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities around the world.
North America
- Susan La Flesche Picotte (1865-1915)
Background: Omaha Tribe
Achievements: The first Native American woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, Dr.
La Flesche Picotte graduated from the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1889. La Flesche
Picotte worked tirelessly to improve healthcare for her community and established a hospital on the
Omaha Reservation in Nebraska.
- Dr. Evan Adams (b. 1966)
Background: Coast Salish (Tla’amin Nation).
Achievements: A family physician and the first-ever Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor in the
Province of British Columbia. He later became the Chief Medical Officer of the First Nations Health
Authority.
- Dr. Yvette Roubideaux (b. 1963)
Background: Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
Achievements: Served as the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS), overseeing healthcare for
American Indians and Alaska Natives. She is also an advocate for improving healthcare services and
policies affecting Indigenous populations.
Australia
- Dr. Kelvin Kong
Background: Worimi people.
Achievements: Australia’s first Indigenous surgeon, specializing in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery.
He is known for his work addressing chronic ear disease among Indigenous children, which
significantly impacts their education and quality of life.
- Dr. Ngiare Brown
Background: Yuin nation.
Achievements: One of the first Indigenous doctors in Australia, she has worked extensively in
Indigenous health, education, and research. She was also a founding member of the Australian
Indigenous Doctors’ Association.
New Zealand (Aotearoa, the Maori-language for New Zealand)
- Dr. Papaarangi Reid
Background: Māori (Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāti Porou).
Achievements: A leading figure in public health and health equity, she is the Head of the Department
of Māori Health at the University of Auckland. Her work focuses on addressing health disparities
between Māori and non-Māori populations.
Canada
- Dr. Nadine Caron
Background: Ojibway, Indigenous Peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands.
Achievements: The first female First Nations surgeon in Canada and an advocate for Indigenous
health. She co-directs the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health at the University of British
Columbia and focuses on improving healthcare access and outcomes for Indigenous communities.
South America
- Dr. Manuel Elkin Patarroyo
Background: Indigenous descent (Muisca).
Achievements: A Colombian immunologist known for developing a synthetic vaccine for malaria.
His work has had a significant impact on tropical medicine and infectious diseases.
By recognizing this day, we honor the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous peoples, promote their rights and well-being and work towards a more just and equitable world.