Indigenous Communities

Definition

Indigenous communities are groups of people who are native or original inhabitants of a particular region or territory. They have unique social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics that distinguish them from other populations.

Analogy

Think about your family's special recipe for a traditional dish that has been passed down for generations. Indigenous communities are like those recipes - they have their own unique traditions and ways of life that make them distinct from others.

Related terms

Sovereignty: Sovereignty refers to the self-governing authority held by indigenous communities over their territories and resources.

Traditional Knowledge: Traditional knowledge encompasses indigenous peoples' accumulated experience regarding their environment, cultural practices, medicines, etc.

Land Rights: Land rights recognize indigenous communities' claims to ancestral lands based on historical occupation and use.