According to the UN, there are 476 millions indigenous people living throughout 90 countries; which represent just over the 5% of the world's population and 15% of the population considered the poorest and most vulnerable.
In December 1994, with the aim of highlighting the importance of its existence and preservation, it was decided to celebrate the International Day of Indigenous Populations every year, commemorating the first working meeting focused on discrimination and protection of minorities of indigenous populations performed for the first time in 1982.
¿Do you know how many indigenous peoples there are in Latin America?
In Latin America there are around 522 indigenous peoples; According to figures from FILAC (Fund for the Development of indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean) in Latin America more than 500 indigenous languages are spoken, of which 26% are in danger of being lost.
Mexico is in the Top 3, ranking 3rd in diversity; having in its population 68 indigenous peoples with 12 million inhabitants.
The importance of cultural heritage
In order to start from solid foundations, we need to understand ¿What is cultural heritage? Cultural heritage is the heritage of a community. In other words, cultural heritage is the legacy that our ancestors have left us; that is, all those customs, traditions and celebrations that pass from generation to generation
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¿What can I do to contribute?
Share and contribute! Each country has an immense history, things to share, traditions to highlight:
Value the work they do, don't haggle! each handcrafted piece takes its time, its process and its technique.
Appreciate their colors, traditional costumes are usually full of colors and life, take the time to admire them. Many indigenous peoples sell beautiful embroidered textiles, encourage yourself to buy them and contribute to their economy.
Become aware, investigate more about the origin and why of their celebrations, learn and share the knowledge with friends and family.
Get involved, together with the youngest of the house, they can adopt an ancestral tradition and replicate it so that it is not lost.
If it is in your hands to empower them, this part of the population suffers a lot behind, recognizing that they are valuable and are part of our culture and society, helps them to integrate in a better way.