On August 9, 2006, it is once again the International Day of the World's Indigenous People. In December 2004, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People (2005-2014), beginning January 1, 2005.

The goal of this Decade is to further strengthen “international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by indigenous people in such areas as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment and social and economic development, by means of action-oriented programmes and specific projects, increased technical assistance and relevant standard-setting activities.” (A/RES/59/174). More information on the Decade can be found here. Other helpful web sites:

•   The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Many indigenous people from around the world come to New York in May of each year to attend the annual session of the Permanent Forum;

•   The UN cyberschoolbus for more educational resources;

•   Special Rappoerteur -- for information about the mandate and work of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people.