National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day 2023: Date, History, Sigificance, Facts Indigenous people

There are indigenous peoples in approximately 90 countries, with a combined population of approximately 476 million.

National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day 2023: In the Philippines, National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day is observed annually on October 29. It is a day to recognize and advocate for the hundreds of thousands of indigenous peoples who inhabit the highlands of the Philippine archipelagos. The day recognizes all of the nation’s indigenous peoples who have been enfranchised and conferred human and civil rights. The indigenous peoples of the Philippines are a courageous people who, notwithstanding their customary practices, managed to withstand colonization by American and Spanish conquerors who invaded the lowlands of the archipelago. Please join us in advocating for these individuals to be granted equal privileges.

National Indigenous Peoples’ Thanksgiving Day: A Historical Context

In 1997, President Fidel V. Ramos signed into law the well-known Republic Act, which instigated the inaugural observance of National Indigenous Peoples’ Thanksgiving Day. In addition to recognizing and protecting the rights of all indigenous peoples in the Philippines, this act granted them autonomy over their affairs. Four years later, in accordance with the Republic Act, the new president of the Philippines proclaimed an entire day to recognize indigenous peoples and offer them government assistance. National Indigenous Peoples’ Thanksgiving Day was officially designated by the president on October 29, 2003, and shall recur on the same date each year thereafter. In an effort to underscore her dedication to promoting equitable treatment for indigenous populations, the president ratified an additional proclamation designating October as National Indigenous Peoples’ Month. This demonstrates that the president is in favor of the highlanders.

Even after the Philippines achieved independence in 1946, the indigenous peoples of the Philippines, including the Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and numerous others, were subjected to dispossession, marginalization, and numerous other forms of unjust treatment by the government. To put it simply, they have been subjected to oppression at the hands of the lowlanders (Filipinos), who consider them barbaric and deserving of the luxuries associated with the developing world. Their oppression began in the nineteenth century, when many of them ventured to oppose the Spanish rule. These segregatory practices continued to flourish during the early 20th century, when the United States assumed control of the country. Nonetheless, it has been observed that governments made efforts during the latter part of the 20th century and the early part of the 21st century to guarantee an equitable standard of living for every indigenous people.

We maintain the belief that as the day of observance progresses over time, there will be a progressive increased inequitable treatment towards indigenous peoples.

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Five Indigenous Peoples Facts You Should Be Aware Of

There are indigenous peoples in approximately 90 countries, with a combined population of approximately 476 million.
In most cases, indigenous peoples have no authority over their territories; rather, their countries’ central government governs them.
Indigenous populations exhibit a higher propensity for poverty in comparison to other societal groups.
Predominantly, indigenous communities endeavor to preserve and safeguard their natural surroundings.
Indigenous peoples have a twenty-year shorter life expectancy than non-indigenous peoples.

The Significance of National Indigenous Peoples’ Thanksgiving Day

It manifests originality

Indigenous populations exemplify a human collective that has successfully preserved its cultural heritage while resisting the infiltration of foreign influences. A quarter of the Earth’s surface is owned, occupied, or utilized by indigenous populations, who also safeguard 80% of the extant biodiversity.

It is cultural in nature

An objective of the day’s observance is to provide an opportunity for all indigenous peoples in the Philippines to exhibit and engage in their cultural heritage without interference from the government. Raising awareness of our shared interests and celebrating our diversity serves to unite and enlighten us.

It fosters equity

National Indigenous Peoples’ Thanksgiving Day advocates for the equitable treatment of all Philippine citizens, ensuring that the necessities of each group are duly provided for. This promotes tolerance and appreciation for other cultures.

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