NORTH AMERICA
Michigan Drone Reveals Vast Ancient Native American Farmland
Archaeologists in Michigan have used drones with laser technology to uncover a massive 300-acre ancient Native American agricultural site. This discovery, detailed in a new report in Science magazine, reveals the largest intact ancient farming site in the eastern United States. It consists of subtle earthen mounds that were once raised garden beds used by the ancestors of the Menominee Indian Tribe to grow corn, beans, and squash. The unexpected scale of this agricultural system challenges previous beliefs about Indigenous farming in a region with tough growing conditions, highlighting the advanced nature of pre-colonial agriculture.
Heiltsuk Nation Adopts Historic Constitution
The Heiltsuk Nation in British Columbia, Canada, has ratified its first written constitution, marking a major step toward restoring its traditional governance system, which was disrupted by colonial powers. The constitution, based on decades of effort and oral traditions, affirms the Heiltsuk's role as stewards of their lands. It creates a power-sharing framework involving hereditary leaders, the elected chief and council, and the women's council. With a population of 40,000, the Heiltsuk Nation aims to have a unified voice in managing their lands and waters, independent of outside government recognition.
First Nations Demand Partnership on Major Projects
Leaders of First Nations across Canada are standing firm against Prime Minister Mark Carney's plan to fast-track major infrastructure and resource projects. They argue that their constitutional and legal rights must be respected and that their consent is required for any development on their traditional territories. Citing past movements like "Idle No More," groups like the Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Neskantaga First Nation emphasize that genuine partnership and ownership—not just consultation—are essential to prevent conflict.
SOUTH AMERICA
Colombia Grants Self-Governance to Indigenous Communities
After over 15,000 Indigenous people gathered in the capital, the Colombian government has approved Decree 488. This new law allows Indigenous communities to create their own self-governing territories. It empowers them to manage their resources and projects and to participate in decision-making alongside the state. A key part of the decree is the "cultural objection" clause, which gives communities the right to reject projects that could harm their culture.
Indigenous Communities in Peru Demand Action Against Illegal Mining
The recent deaths of 13 people in Pataz, Peru, have prompted Indigenous leaders to demand immediate action against illegal and criminal mining. In late 2024, more than 40 Amazonian Indigenous organizations and allies issued the "Amazon Mandate," which calls for an end to environmentally destructive gold mining on their lands. They state that "mining is the new silent war in Peru" and are calling for an end to the "mining hell."
Chile’s Mapuche Land Conflict Faces Resistance
A recent report by a Peace Commission in Chile has proposed giving over 240,000 hectares of land to the Mapuche people. While some see this as a historic step toward resolving a long-standing conflict, politicians on the right and far-right are opposing the plan. At the same time, the Arauco Malleco Coordinating Committee (CAM) says that any negotiations are pointless as long as militarization continues and Mapuche political prisoners remain incarcerated.
Nicaragua Passes Law Bypassing Indigenous Consent
A new law and a presidential decree in Nicaragua have been met with alarm from Indigenous communities and environmental advocates. The new rules allow natural resources to be exploited without requiring prior consultation or consent from Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. Leaders warn that this will threaten their autonomy and the integrity of their ancestral lands.
Ecuador Hosts Indigenous Summit to Uphold Rights
Indigenous leaders from across Latin America gathered in Quito, Ecuador, to demand that governments enforce rulings from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR). Although the IACHR has made decisions in favor of Indigenous communities in countries like Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Paraguay, many governments have not fully complied. Leaders at the summit are pushing for effective implementation to protect their territorial and human rights.
Panama's Arimae Community Faces Repression
The Arimae Indigenous community in Panama has reported that military and police forces have been deployed to their territory, causing fear and forcing families to flee into the mountains. The Emberá and Wounaan General Congress of Collective Lands released a statement saying that security forces and helicopters have been present since late May, creating tension in a community that has been defending its ancestral lands.
Argentine Indigenous Communities Mobilize Against Evictions
Indigenous communities in Argentina are protesting in the capital to stop a new wave of evictions from their ancestral lands. This has followed the repeal of Law 26,160, which had protected their territories. Indigenous groups and organizations are now filing legal challenges to declare these evictions unconstitutional and are calling for public support to protect their rights.
AFRICA
Khoisan Heritage Shared at International Conferences
Professors from Nelson Mandela University, along with Khoisan Chiefs Margaret Coetzee and Zenzile Khoisan, presented their research on Indigenous heritage sites in South Africa's Eastern Cape at conferences in Italy. They showcased a documentary titled "ORIGIN: KhoiSan heritage sites and sense of belonging," which features interviews with ten Khoisan chiefs sharing their cultural history and identity.
Maasai Women Lead Conservation Efforts in Kenya
In southern Kenya, Maasai women are combining traditional knowledge with business skills to lead conservation initiatives. Facing droughts and land degradation, they are working with organizations like the Amboseli Ecosystem Trust to create sustainable businesses that help preserve their environment and livelihoods.
Couscous Celebrated as Indigenous North African Dish
Couscous, a food that originated with the Berber tribes of North Africa, was recently celebrated for its cultural significance. Traditionally made by hand-rolling semolina and steaming it over a stew, couscous has long been a staple that brings families and communities together.
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Nepal Supreme Court Orders Reforms to Uphold Indigenous Rights
In a major decision, Nepal's Supreme Court has ruled that all levels of government must ensure that new laws, policies, and programs follow international agreements on Indigenous rights. The ruling, which came from a petition by the Lawyers' Association for Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples, emphasizes that governments must implement the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for Indigenous Peoples and align national laws with international commitments.
Indigenous Communities in India Win Victory Against Solar Project
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has canceled a $434 million loan for the Assam Solar Park project in India after a year-long campaign by the Karbi Anglong Solar Power Project Affected People’s Rights Committee. The project would have displaced over 20,000 Karbi, Naga, and Adivasi families. This win highlights the importance of community resistance and free, prior, and informed consent in stopping large-scale development projects that threaten Indigenous land rights.
Activists Demand Halt to Siang Dam Project
A coalition of groups, including the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), is calling for a stop to the proposed 11,500 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh, India. They cite concerns about environmental damage and the impact on Indigenous communities. Activists are demanding the withdrawal of armed police from project sites and the release of arrested protestors, emphasizing the need for community consent and transparent environmental reviews.
Indonesia’s Nickel Boom Linked to Environmental and Human Rights Abuses
A new report highlights widespread environmental damage and human rights violations caused by Indonesia's growing nickel industry. The report states that a multi-billion-dollar industrial park on Halmahera Island, which houses the world's largest nickel mine, is causing air and water pollution, deforestation, and abuses against Indigenous groups like the nomadic Hongana Manyawa tribe, who face displacement.
Sarawak Cultural Village Showcases Borneo’s Indigenous Heritage
The Sarawak Cultural Village in Malaysia is a "living museum" that offers an immersive look into Borneo's diverse Indigenous cultures. The village features replica buildings, hands-on activities, and performances from various ethnic groups, including the Bidayuh, Iban, and Orang Ulu, providing a space to experience their traditions and daily life.
Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Launch First Indigenous-Led Ocean Reserve
The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have announced plans to create the Melanesian Ocean Reserve, which would be the world's first Indigenous-led marine protected area. If successful, this reserve would cover 6 million square kilometers, an area comparable to the Amazon Rainforest. The goal is to protect ancestral waters from exploitation and allow only sustainable economic activities that align with Indigenous values. Discussions are ongoing with New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea.