There is an approximate number of 370 million indigenous people in the world, they can be found in 90 countries. The indigenous population makes up less than 5 percent of the global population, but make up 15 percent of the world’s poorest. They speak majority of the world’s languages and have formed 5,000 different cultures.          

Indigenous people have introduced the rest of the world to unique cultures and methods of relating to people and the natural world. They have maintained socially and politically unique characteristics that stand out from those of dominant societies. Despite cultural differences, indigenous peoples from around the globe are battling for rights and fairness in their respective societies.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People seeks to recognize their identities and advocate for their right to land and national resource ownership. Indigenous peoples are among the most disadvantaged groups of people in the world. The United Nations is making efforts to now ensure that special measures are taken to protect their rights and maintain their cultural practices.

Due to losing much of their land and resources to development, a large number of indigenous people relocate to urban areas in search of a better life. They have also been recorded to move to different countries in order to escape violence and mistreatment from their previous homes. Despite the misconception that indigenous peoples live only in rural areas, many now call urban areas home., In addition, indigenous migrants face a multitude of challenges, which include a lack of access to public services and varying forms of discrimination.