August 9: U.N. Day for the World's Indigenous People

In 1994, the General Assembly of the United Nations decided that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People should be observed each year on August 9. 
 
This year's theme is:  "Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future."  CLICK HERE for more information.

Pope John Paul II, aware of the challenges facing indigenous peoples wrote: “Unjust economic policies are especially damaging to indigenous peoples, young nations and their traditional cultures; and it is the Church’s task to help indigenous cultures

preserve their identity and maintain their traditions.”

CLICK HERE for a prayer service in observance of U.N. Day for the World's Indigenous Peoples, August 9