Indigenous peoples are distinct social and cultural groups that share collective ancestral ties to the lands and natural resources where they live, occupy or from which they have been displaced. They have retained social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics that are clearly different from those of other segments of the national populations. Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, way of life, and their right to traditional lands, territories, and natural resources for years, yet throughout history, their rights have always been violated. Indigenous peoples are the holders of unique languages, knowledge systems, and beliefs and possess invaluable knowledge of practices for the sustainable management of natural resources. They have a special relationship with and use of their traditional land, which has fundamental importance for their collective physical and cultural survival as peoples. Indigenous peoples often have much in common with other neglected segments of societies, such as lack of political representation and participation, economic marginalization and poverty, lack of access to social services, and discrimination.
The term "Indigenous" refers to people who lived in a specific region before colonists or settlers arrived, defined new borders, and began to occupy the land. Indigenous peoples are also known as First Peoples, Aboriginal Peoples, or Native Peoples. The term "Indigenous" has been increasingly used in recent years, and it describes any group of people native to a specific region. Indigenous peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They often subscribe to their customary leaders and organizations for representation that are distinct or separate from those of the mainstream society or culture. Indigenous peoples often lack formal recognition over their lands, territories, and natural resources, are often last to receive public investments in basic services and infrastructure, and face multiple barriers to participate fully in the formal economy, enjoy access to justice, and participate in political processes and decision making.
