International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Recognizing the Cultures, Rights, and Contributions of Indigenous Peoples

For the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and its national committees, Indigenous peoples play a central role in the understanding and safeguarding of cultural heritage. Many cultural landscapes, sacred sites, and traditional settlements around the world are deeply connected to Indigenous communities whose knowledge systems have shaped the stewardship of land, water, and natural resources for generations.

Indigenous knowledge contributes significantly to the conservation of heritage sites and landscapes. Traditional practices related to land management, architecture, water systems, and ecological stewardship often reflect centuries of accumulated knowledge about living sustainably within specific environments. Recognizing these knowledge systems strengthens more inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to heritage conservation.

On this day, heritage professionals and institutions are encouraged to acknowledge the cultural rights of Indigenous peoples, support their participation in decision-making processes related to heritage, and ensure that conservation practices respect traditional knowledge, cultural values, and community relationships with place.