Last Updated on July 27, 2025 by Johnny Peter
World Indigenous Peoples’ Day takes place on August 9. It raises awareness and celebrates the rights and contributions of indigenous people across the world. It is interesting to realize that while Indigenous people only comprise just over six percent of the world’s population, they protect more than 80% of its biodiversity. The theme for this year reflects the desire to leave no one behind.
Visit a tribal casino
A visit to Gun Lake Casino in Michigan will help you to support and celebrate the Gun Lake tribe. After years of hardship and struggle, the tribe is starting to see the possibilities of a brighter future. The casino and tribe donate to underserved tribal communities.
The casino supports and participates in events like the annual snowsnake games, a traditional Neshnabé winter sport. It also actively participates in Native American Heritage Month, which highlights the history and culture of the Gun Lake tribe. Tribal online casinos, like Play Gun Lake casino, generate revenue that contributes to essential services like education, healthcare, and other vital programs.
Join a Clima Fund Twitter chat
The CLIMA Fund will host a Twitter chat on World Indigenous Peoples Day. The chat will take place at 10 am PST and 1 pm EST, and you can follow by joining the Twitter feed @CSORG.
The chat will focus on the role of indigenous people as guardians of natural resources and explore what they can do to offer solutions for climate change. At present, there’s chronic underfunding of climate change action led by indigenous people. Expanding and strengthening their right to manage land could help reduce the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions the U.S. would emit by 2050.
Watch the series Reservation Dogs
The series was filmed in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and the writer, director, and actors are all indigenous. It follows four indigenous teenagers in their attempts to save money to get to California. Throughout the three seasons, it covers themes such as family, friendship, and heritage.
At its core, it will immerse you in contemporary Native American life, both its beauty and the challenges that come with it. The show’s strength lies in its refusal to resort to caricatures or oversimplify while exploring indigenous identities.
It uses humor throughout, which is refreshing for those who think that all content about Native Americans must be depressing. It could be fun while traveling to places with Native American populations to watch this series and get a real insight into contemporary Native American society.
Read and share books by indigenous authors
Reading a book by an indigenous author can be enlightening and deal with any misconceptions you may have about indigenous people. Old School Indian by Aaron John Curtis has a 43-year-old Ahkwesáhsne man as its protagonist.
Abe Jacobs returns to the reservation where he grew up after doctors tell him he’s dying. While he’s skeptical that he will be able to receive healing, his desire to explore it shows a seed of hope. On his return, he must confront all the things that have kept him away from home for 20 years.
Love is a War Song by Danica Nava is the romance her fans have been waiting for after the success of The Truth according to Ember. Avery Fox is a Muscogee pop star who has been ridiculed by the public and is staying with her estranged grandmother on a ranch. She and Lucas IronEyes strike a deal where she must fundraise for the ranch in exchange for insight into their shared culture and heritage.
Support indigenous artists
Many indigenous people face challenges when trying to protect their rights. Their total population worldwide is at least 370-500 million, and they often face marginalization and poverty. Supporting indigenous artists is a way you can support them and contribute to their success. Yellowtail is a fashion brand by Bethany Yellowtail. You can buy designs that blend contemporary and traditional styles.
If you’re looking for gourmet chocolate, you can support Bedré Fine Chocolate, which is owned by the Chickasaw Nation. For cosmetics, you can support Cheekbone Beauty, which was founded by Jennifer Harper, who is of Anishinaabe descent. These are just a handful of Native American companies you can buy from.
