09/08/2026
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Observed annually on August 9, the International Day of the Worldโs Indigenous Peoples is a global occasion to honor and recognize the tradition, culture, heritage, and the rights of the Indigenous community around the globe.
Established by the United Nations in 1994, this day also commemorates the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Population in 1982. Today, there are more than 476 million indigenous people across 90 countries and roughly 10 million in the Philippines continue to preserve their cultural tradition, languages, and ecosystems.
Furthermore, the occasion also serves as a reminder of the continuous struggle of the indigenous community to protect their ancestral lands, safeguard traditions, and secure their fundamental rights.
With this yearโs theme โHonouring Indigenous Midwives; Safeguarding Life and Well-Beingโ highlights the essential role of indigenous midwives in their community, not only as caregivers but as holders and transmitters of traditional knowledge to be passed down to future generations.
For many indigenous communities, midwives play an important role in supporting mothers and babies while helping preserve practices, values, language, and tradition.
Indigenous midwifery serves as a strong expression of these knowledge systems, fostering the sharing of knowledge, enhancing cultural identity, and guaranteeing the persistence of Indigenous Peoples' lifestyles. However, Indigenous midwifery continues to be affected by systemic obstacles and biases that diminish the acknowledgment of Indigenous knowledge systems in established health frameworks and restrict access to culturally suitable care.
Beyond their role in maternal care, Indigenous midwives represent the strength of Indigenous knowledge systems that have endured through generations. Their practices are often rooted in a deep understanding of their communities, environment, and cultural traditions.
Ultimately, the International Day of Worldโs Indigenous Peoples is not only a celebration, but is also a call-to-action. A call for all governments, institutions, and societies to recognize indigenous rights, support their knowledge systems, and ensure that their voices are part in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Article by Kyle Benavente | 12 Innovation
Layout by Solenn Camua | 10 SPFL Tokyo
