The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on August 9th. This day is dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of the world's indigenous populations. It also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues.

Recognizing the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is one way to highlight the following:

Preservation of Traditions

Indigenous peoples have rich and diverse cultures, languages, and traditions that are an integral part of the world's cultural heritage. Recognizing this day brings awareness to the preservation and promotion of these unique cultures.

Contributions to Society

Indigenous peoples have made significant contributions in various fields, including environmental conservation, medicine and the arts.

Raising Awareness

This day raises awareness about the rights of Indigenous peoples and marginalization and violations of basic human rights that some may face.

Environmental Stewardship

Indigenous peoples are often at the forefront of environmental conservation efforts. Recognizing this day supports their role as stewards of the land and their contributions to sustainable development.

Global Unity

Recognizing the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples fosters a sense of global unity, it encourages collaborative efforts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, governments, organizations and communities to address common challenges.

In recognizing this day, we also pause to acknowledge achievements of some notable indigenous people in healthcare. These individuals have not only excelled in the medical field but have also made significant contributions to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities around the world.

North America

1. Susan La Flesche Picotte (1865-1915)

Background: Omaha Tribe

Achievements: The first Native American woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, Dr.

La Flesche Picotte graduated from the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1889. La Flesche

Picotte worked tirelessly to improve healthcare for her community and established a hospital on the

Omaha Reservation in Nebraska.

1. Dr. Evan Adams (b. 1966)

Background: Coast Salish (Tla'amin Nation).

Achievements: A family physician and the first-ever Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor in the

Province of British Columbia. He later became the Chief Medical Officer of the First Nations Health

Authority.

1. Dr. Yvette Roubideaux (b. 1963)

Background: Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

Achievements: Served as the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS), overseeing healthcare for

American Indians and Alaska Natives. She is also an advocate for improving healthcare services and

policies affecting Indigenous populations.

Australia

1. Dr. Kelvin Kong

Background: Worimi people.

Achievements: Australia's first Indigenous surgeon, specializing in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery.

He is known for his work addressing chronic ear disease among Indigenous children, which

significantly impacts their education and quality of life.

1. Dr. Ngiare Brown

Background: Yuin nation.

Achievements: One of the first Indigenous doctors in Australia, she has worked extensively in

Indigenous health, education, and research. She was also a founding member of the Australian

Indigenous Doctors' Association.

New Zealand (Aotearoa, the Maori-language for New Zealand)

1. Dr. Papaarangi Reid

Background: Māori (Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāti Porou).

Achievements: A leading figure in public health and health equity, she is the Head of the Department

of Māori Health at the University of Auckland. Her work focuses on addressing health disparities

between Māori and non-Māori populations.

Canada

1. Dr. Nadine Caron

Background: Ojibway, Indigenous Peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands.

Achievements: The first female First Nations surgeon in Canada and an advocate for Indigenous

health. She co-directs the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health at the University of British

Columbia and focuses on improving healthcare access and outcomes for Indigenous communities.

South America

1. Dr. Manuel Elkin Patarroyo

Background: Indigenous descent (Muisca).

Achievements: A Colombian immunologist known for developing a synthetic vaccine for malaria.

His work has had a significant impact on tropical medicine and infectious diseases.

By recognizing this day, we honor the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous peoples, promote their rights and well-being and work towards a more just and equitable world.

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