A global news bulletin from Cultural Survival highlights the ongoing struggles and resilience of Indigenous communities across the globe, with reports from Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
Americas
In the United States, a recent report reveals that 10 states are using revenue from lands stolen from 57 Indigenous nations to fund their prison systems. These lands, which cover nearly 2 million acres, generate millions of dollars annually from resource extraction. In 2024, at least $33 million of this money was funneled into carceral facilities and programs. This practice is particularly concerning as Indigenous people are incarcerated at four times the rate of their white counterparts. Meanwhile, in New York, a positive step was taken as fourth-graders at a local elementary school participated in an immersive program to learn about Native American culture.
In Canada, an exhibition called "Dakobinaawaswaan (Baby in a Cradleboard)" is helping to revive the traditional practice of using cradleboards, or tikinagan. The exhibit, organized by the Cradle Keepers Collective, showcases these traditional baby carriers and aims to educate both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities about the importance of children and the beauty of Indigenous family life.
Reports from South America paint a more somber picture. In Paraguay, the Maká people are fighting to reclaim ancestral lands that were promised to them in 1944 but were never fully granted. In Panama, communities living near the Cobre Panamá copper mine are still facing movement restrictions from the company's private security, even after the mine was ordered to close a year ago. In Colombia, fighting between two armed groups, the ELN and FARC dissidents, has intensified in Indigenous territories, forcing communities to stay confined to their homes. In Peru, the Harakbut Nation is raising an alarm about the increase in illegal mining in their territory since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a rise in social issues like human trafficking. And in Honduras, organizations have declared a "state of emergency" in the Valle del Aguán, citing escalating violence against farmers and a lack of government protection.
Africa and Australia
In South Africa, an activist who was protesting for the rights of the Khoi and San people, Cynthia Triagaardt, died in a tragic car accident. This incident follows a recent eviction order against over 20 activists who had been camped outside the Union Buildings for years, demanding First Nation status for the Khoi and San.
In Australia, Australia Day on January 26 was marked by both celebrations and protests, reflecting deep divisions over the nation's history. Protesters, who refer to the day as "Invasion Day," demonstrated against the date's connection to British colonization. Indigenous Australians make up 4% of the population and remain the most disadvantaged ethnic group in the country.
Asia and the Pacific
In New Zealand, Indigenous Maori people boycotted ministers at Waitangi Day in protest of a new bill that they say could oppress their communities. Though a large turnout was expected, only about 100 people attended, a sharp decrease from last year's 42,000.
In West Papua, a recent increase in military presence has displaced hundreds of Indigenous people from their homes. Reports from the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission state that 300 people have been displaced, with others hiding in forests. The commission and the Church are urging the government to withdraw its forces and seek a peaceful resolution.
In Bangladesh, a letter was sent to the interim government demanding urgent action following a violent attack on Indigenous students. The students were peacefully protesting the removal of artwork featuring the word "Adivasi" from a school textbook. The attack on January 15 injured at least 19 students and activists.
In Nepal, nationwide protests have erupted against a proposed cable car project that would be built in the sacred Mukkumlung forest. Protesters, led by Indigenous organizations, are concerned about the project's impact on their cultural heritage and the environment. A transport strike has been held across nine districts in protest.
In Taiwan, Indigenous groups are fighting a legislative amendment that downgrades the positions of their representatives from paid to honorary, a change they believe will weaken their political participation. Critics argue that the amendment perpetuates colonial divisions and undermines the goal of Indigenous self-determination.