Want to Protect Cultural Heritage? Support Indigenous Rights

August 9 is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples — an opportunity to strengthen the inextricable links between protection of Indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage around the world.

For fifteen years, Global Heritage Fund has worked to protect cultural heritage throughout the world. My experience at GHF has taught me that heritage comprises much more than built monuments and physical markers of history. Community knowledge, crafts, and languages are also integral parts of cultural heritage.

I’ve also learned how important it is to protect cultural heritage in the context of Indigenous rights. Heritage is a human right — and it’s one we must protect, especially with Indigenous populations. Around the globe, Indigenous knowledge systems contribute to medical and scientific advancements, bolster economic growth, and even help address climate change.

Heritage can be a powerful force for good — but only if we engage in inclusive, rights-based protection that addresses social vulnerabilities. This is especially important in light of the 2019 theme for Indigenous Peoples Day, “Indigenous Languages.” This focus could not be more timely, as an estimated ninety percent of the world’s 7,000 languages risk being lost forever. Without these languages and the cultural knowledge they contain, we lose invaluable sight on our human history and cultural diversity, so vital for the well-being of our planet and communities.

I ask you to join me today in supporting Indigenous Peoples, dignity, and inclusion with a rights-based approach to cultural heritage protection.

#HeritageBeyondMonuments #WeAreIndigenous #IndigenousDay #IndigenousPeoplesDay #IndigenousLanguages #UNDRIP