Defining Indigenous and Indigenous Peoples

Definitions of "indigenous" and "indigenous peoples" can be found in various sources,

including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, academic articles,
and government reports. Based on these sources, the following are some common characteristics
of indigenous peoples:

 They are the original inhabitants of a particular region or territory.

 They have a distinct cultural, social, and economic identity that is often tied to their land
and natural resources.
 They have a historical and ongoing relationship with their land, which is often based on
traditional knowledge and practices.
 They have experienced colonization, marginalization, and discrimination, which has led
to the loss of their lands, cultures, and languages.
 Indigenous peoples often lack formal recognition of their lands, territories, and natural
resources.
 They face multiple barriers to participate fully in the formal economy, enjoy access to
justice, and participate in political processes and decision-making.
 Indigenous peoples possess crucial knowledge about how to manage natural resources
sustainably and act as guardians or custodians of the land for the next generation.

In my own definition of "indigenous" and "indigenous peoples" is based on these characteristics:

The original occupants of a region or territory are known as indigenous peoples, and they
have a unique cultural, social, and economic identity that is frequently connected to their land
and natural resources. They have a long-standing affinity with their land, one that is frequently
founded on customs and traditions from the past. Colonization, marginalization, and
discrimination against indigenous peoples resulted in the eradication of their territories, customs,
and languages. These peoples and their distinctive connection to their land, which is frequently
defined by strong spiritual and cultural ties, are referred to as "indigenous" peoples.
They have a long-standing bond with their land, frequently based on traditional values.
information and methods. Colonization, marginalization, and discrimination against indigenous
peoples resulted in the eradication of their territories, customs, and languages. These peoples are
referred regarded as being "indigenous" in reference to their special connection to their land,
which is frequently defined by a strong spiritual and cultural bond. Indigenous peoples
frequently don't receive official acknowledgment for their ownership of their lands, territories,
and natural resources. They also encounter several obstacles that prevent them from fully
engaging in the formal economy, getting access to justice, and taking part in political processes
and decision-making. They serve as stewards of the earth for future generations and are very
knowledgeable about how to manage natural resources responsibly.