Across the globe, Indigenous communities are standing up for their rights and heritage, from challenging government policies to fighting for land and resources. Here's a summary of recent developments from around the world.
Americas
In the United States, a new report highlights that Native Americans are twice as likely as the general population to have medical debt in collections. This issue is linked to problems within the Indian Health Service (IHS), which often fails to pay for services from outside providers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that 8% of Native Americans in majority-Native areas had medical debt in collections, a figure that jumps to 11.5% in areas without an IHS facility, compared to the national average of 4%.
Meanwhile, in Canada, Indigenous leaders are demanding that the government address the severe underfunding of First Nations policing. This call for action comes as a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal hearing is scheduled to address a complaint filed by the Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario.
Further south, in Chile, the Mapuche Kurarewe community has made a historic stride by securing a co-management agreement for Villarrica National Park. This agreement, the result of a seven-year effort, gives the community a voice in the park's future and sets a precedent for Indigenous-led conservation.
This positive news is in stark contrast to the situation in Argentina, where the government has revoked an 18-year-old law protecting Indigenous land rights. This controversial move, driven by President Javier Milei, could lead to the displacement of Indigenous communities from their ancestral lands.
In Ecuador, Indigenous communities in the Amazon are declaring a state of emergency to protest a proposed maximum-security prison. Citing violations of their rights and threats to the ecosystem, they are mobilizing against what they see as an expansion of harmful government projects.
Asia and Australia
In the Philippines, a surge in nickel mining to meet the demand for electric vehicle batteries is leading to human rights abuses. An Amnesty International report found that Indigenous communities in Zambales and Palawan are facing deforestation, pollution, and health problems due to mining operations. The report calls on the government to suspend these activities and urges EV companies to ensure their supply chains are ethical.
In Bangladesh, two separate incidents have highlighted the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples. An arson attack on a Tripura community on December 24, 2024, destroyed 17 houses, an incident the International CHT Commission believes is part of a broader pattern of land-grabbing. In a separate event, violence erupted in Dhaka when Indigenous protesters were attacked for demonstrating against the removal of the word "adivasi" from textbooks. At least 20 people were injured in the assault.
In Australia, the Victorian government is offering $50 vouchers to Aboriginal people who attend "mob only" treaty talks, a move aimed at increasing participation in negotiations for the country's first treaty with Indigenous citizens. The initiative has faced criticism, with some arguing it is a divisive tactic.
Africa
In Uganda, the Basongora people are resisting eviction from Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the park’s original inhabitants, they argue that conservation efforts should be inclusive and respect their historical connection to the land, rather than relying on exclusionary tactics like electric fences.
A Call for Action
These stories highlight the varied challenges Indigenous peoples face globally, from fighting for cultural recognition and fair compensation to demanding equitable access to healthcare and justice. They also show the resilience and determination of these communities as they work to protect their rights, lands, and traditions.