Indigenous Peoples

A closer look at the first people in the USA, Australia and New Zealand

Accessibility icon Indigenous Peoples

What are Indigenous Peoples?

The term «Indigenous Peoples» refers to the original inhabitants of regions around the world. There are over 476 million indigenous people across the world, living in 90 different countries.

In 2007, the United Nations (UN) adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to protect their rights. Historically, Indigenous peoples have faced oppression and discrimination from dominant societies. It is crucial to acknowledge their distinct cultures, histories, and connections to the land to protect their rights.

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First Nations Women performing a Fancy Shawl Dance in a grass field with a river background
First Nations Women performing a Fancy Shawl Dance in a grass field with a river background

The Native Americans

Before Europeans came to America in the 15th century, Indigenous peoples, called Native Americans, lived there. There were more than 500 different tribes, each with its own language and way of life.

Three dancers dressed in vibrant traditional costume of a North American aboriginal from British Columbia, Canada. Includes feathers, bones, beadwork and bells.
Three dancers dressed in vibrant traditional costume of a North American aboriginal from British Columbia, Canada. Includes feathers, bones, beadwork and bells.

Respect for nature

Native Americans respected nature and only took what they needed. They had special ceremonies, like the Sun Dance, and made tall wooden poles with carvings, called totem poles.

A totem pole against a blue sky
A totem pole against a blue sky

Rituals are important

Ceremonies are a big part of Native American life. The Plains tribes practise the Sun Dance, which is a ritual to connect to the spirit world.

The tribes of the Pacific Northwest had Totem poles. These are tall wooden beams with carvings of animals and spirits.

Native american dancing in traditional clothes
Native american dancing in traditional clothes

The Aboriginal people of Australia

Before Australia was explored by Europeans in the 17th century, it had been home to the world’s oldest living cultures for over 65,000 years.

📷 Aboriginal Australian people of the Yirrganydji people at a cultural show in Queensland, Australia.

These are the Indigenous peoples of Australia, often grouped into two main categories: the Aboriginal peoples of the mainland and Tasmania, and the Torres Strait Islanders from the islands between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

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Aboriginal Australian people of the Yirrganydji people at a cultural show in Queensland, Australia. Dressed in traditional costumes
Aboriginal Australian people of the Yirrganydji people at a cultural show in Queensland, Australia. Dressed in traditional costumes

Dreamtime

Long ago, before we had clocks, Australia’s Aboriginal people had Dreamtime. It is a special time that feels old and still close to them.

Dreamtime is more than just stories. These tales tell how spirits made the world and its nature. They teach important things.

📷 Aboriginal painting, Baiame Cave.

Stories told in many ways

They are also shown in paintings, dances, and special events. This way everyone learns them.

When we learn about Dreamtime, we can understand the Aboriginal people better. It shows how people, nature, and spirits are close friends.

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Aboriginal painting, Baiame Cave
Aboriginal painting, Baiame Cave

Aboriginal art

Dot paintings are typical Aboriginal art. The didgeridoo is a famous Aboriginal wind instrument and is played at ceremonies.

📷  Austrailan Digeridoos in Cairns, Australia.
A few different digeridoos instruments
A few different digeridoos instruments

The Māori of New Zealand

Europeans came to New Zealand in the 17th century, but before that the Māori people lived there. They came to New Zealand in the 13th century by following the stars and ocean currents.

📷  Maori warriors perform a Haka (dance of welcome).
Maori warriors perform a Haka
Maori warriors perform a Haka

Rich culture

They made beautiful carvings, danced powerful dances called ‘haka,’ and had tattoos called ‘moko’ that told stories. They lived in communities called ‘iwi,’ and had a rich culture.

Close up portrait of a beautiful Maori businesswoman outdoors in the workplace with traditional tattoo on her chin
Close up portrait of a beautiful Maori businesswoman outdoors in the workplace with traditional tattoo on her chin

Family and kin are important

Communities, or ‘iwi’, played a central role in Māori life. Each had its own history, lands, and chieftain.  Sometimes different communities worked together. Sometimes they fought.

📷  A Maori marae entrance, Tapawera, New Zealand.
Maori marae entrance Tapawera, New Zealand
Maori marae entrance Tapawera, New Zealand

Core beliefs

Some central beliefs in Māori culture are very important. These beliefs shaped their understanding of the world. The Māori believe that everything is connected (‘whakapapa’), and that a spiritual power exists in everything (‘mana’). Some things and places are holy, or ‘tapu’.

📷  Sunrise at Te Mata Peak, New Zealand
Sunrise at Te Mata Peak, New Zealand
Sunrise at Te Mata Peak, New Zealand

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