Indigenous People

Indigenous peoples are non-dominant cultural groups with ancestral ties to the land or sea. These communities contribute significantly to the majority of the world's cultural diversity. However, a common theme is that they also confront numerous challenges, such as discrimination and invisibility.

What is Meant by "Indigenous People"?

Education and Indigenous People

Left out of development, indigenous people often struggle to access basic education due to their remote geography, cultural differences, and historical traumas. At ICLC, we have made it our expertise to engage indigenous communities in difficult regions at the human level, to build trust and provide their children with basic education.

The difference that education makes for an indigenous child is profound. For the older generation, many of whom have not gone to school, there is an unjust sense of shame, and they hesitate to mention their lack of education. For these parents, education offers hope that their children will have the opportunity for a better life.

Woman and child from a Sama Dilaut community, Sibutu

Shouldn't They be Left Alone?

While it is true that we should not force our culture onto them in an attempt to "civilize them"—an archaic notion from the colonial era—we must acknowledge that the world has changed. Traditional livelihoods have become much harder, and the ability to get a well-paying job is now the main path to a dignified life.

Preservation of History

Indigenous cultures often hold unique customs and beliefs that need to be accounted for when engaging with them.

Preserving their culture is crucial for recognizing them as equals in our school programs.

That is why we ensure their culture is incorporated at every level of our organization, from teaching in native languages to organizing cultural celebrations for parents during events.

Photographer:Erik Abrahamsson

Traditional Sama Dilaut fishing boat and equipment

Challenges and Mistreatment

Indigenous peoples face a spectrum of challenges, from societal discrimination to limited access to education and healthcare. Land rights disputes, mistreatment, and discrimination persist, threatening their traditional ways of life. At ICLC, we maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy for discrimination.

Recognition and Advocacy

Many indigenous individuals and organizations advocate for social justice and environmental protection. They collaborate with non-governmental organizations and governments to promote their rights on national and international platforms.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to respect indigenous rights and knowledge. Governments, conservation groups, and corporations are increasingly partnering with indigenous communities to address environmental challenges, recognizing their role as custodians of the land and guardians of cultural diversity. The potential loss of these cultures would be an irreplaceable tragedy for humanity, robbing us of knowledge, traditions, and insights that are invaluable to our collective future.

Indigenous Children's Learning Centers