Empowering Indigenous Voices

Philippines is commonly known for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. Above all that, one thing that fascinates me is the exisiting culture of Indigenous People with over 17 million members in the country. Their culture symbolizes and represents not just their own people but all the Filipinos. With the help if these indigenous people, various traditions and festivals have arisen and evolve. Other than that, a celebration of National Indigenous People Month were developed aiming to promote and protect the rights and culture of Indigenous People.

 

While the National Indigenous People Month became an annual celebration, it was propagated with multiple benefits for the people from this group. This celebration serves as a platform to raise awareness about the diverse indigenous communities within the country and to advocate for their well-being and cultural preservation. 

One benefit is that it promotes awareness and recognition. Through different events, activities, and programs held and organized by Indigenous communities, Filipinos gain a deeper understanding of the unique culture and traditions of these groups. This awareness contributes to advocating stereotypes and discrimination among the indigenous people. The celebration also provide the importance of protecting the rights of the Indigenous People to self-esteem and well-being. National Indigenous People Month serves as an imprint that educates other people about the rights of Indigenous People to their lands, resources, and traditional practices. This includes the rising of policies and rules that protect their ancestral domains. 

In conclusion, the celebration empowers Indigenous communities simply by providing them with a platform to implore their voices and speak for their rights. While challenges remain and stereotypes continue, the observance serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the unique cultures and traditions of Indigenous People.

References:

First Picture- Indigenous People Are Essential for Preventing Biodiversity Loss. They Mustn’t Be Sidelined.

<https://earth.org/indigenous-people/>

Second Picture- A Call to Action Against the Exploitation of Filipino Indigenous People

<https://www.change.org/p/anac-ip-partylist-and-ncip-ao-call-to-action-against-the-exploitation-of-filipino-indigenous-people>

Third Picture- The Role of Indigenous Peoples in Philippine Society

<https://medium.com/@2020047211/the-role-of-indigenous-peoples-in-philippine-society-2971f2353158>

Fourth Picture

<https://www.oikoumene.org/news/on-international-day-of-the-worlds-indigenous-peoples-wcc-reiterates-commitment-to-renewal-of-creation>