List of indigenous rights organizations
Encyclopedia
This is a list of indigenous rights
organizations. Some of these organizations are members of other organizations listed in this article. Sometimes local organizations associated with particular groups of indigenous people will join in a regional or national organization, which in turn can join an even higher organization, along with other member supraorganization
s.
The "International" section is for organizations that are open to work with indigenous peoples around the world. These organizations are not limited to a specific area or with a specific tribe. They are listed by country of origin. The organizations in the "Regional" section are listed by the area in which they work. The regions and countries in this part of the list indicate the area in which these organizations operate.
Arctic
Australia
Brazil
Canada
Mexico
New Zealand
Philippines
United States
Indigenous rights
Indigenous rights are those rights that exist in recognition of the specific condition of the indigenous peoples. This includes not only the most basic human rights of physical survival and integrity, but also the preservation of their land, language, religion and other elements of cultural...
organizations. Some of these organizations are members of other organizations listed in this article. Sometimes local organizations associated with particular groups of indigenous people will join in a regional or national organization, which in turn can join an even higher organization, along with other member supraorganization
Supraorganization
A supraorganization is an organization whose members are organizations rather than individuals....
s.
The "International" section is for organizations that are open to work with indigenous peoples around the world. These organizations are not limited to a specific area or with a specific tribe. They are listed by country of origin. The organizations in the "Regional" section are listed by the area in which they work. The regions and countries in this part of the list indicate the area in which these organizations operate.
Germany
- Friends of Peoples Close to NatureFriends of Peoples Close to NatureFriends of Peoples Close to Nature is a non-governmental human rights organization that works in the field of indigenous rights. The organization is dedicated to the survival of tribal peoples, in particular hunter-gatherers...
(fPcN) - Society for Threatened PeoplesSociety for Threatened PeoplesSociety for Threatened Peoples is an international NGO and human rights organization based in Göttingen, Germany. It seeks to create awareness of and protect minority peoples around the world who are threatened by oppressive governments. The group states on its website that it "campaigns against...
(GfbV)
United Kingdom
- Forest Peoples ProgrammeForest Peoples ProgrammeThe Forest Peoples Programme is a non-governmental organisation that campaigns for the rights of indigenous forest-dwellers. Founded in 1990 by the Uruguay-based World Rainforest Movement, FPP seeks to bridge the gap between policy makers and forest peoples. The Forest Peoples Project is its...
(FPP) - Minority Rights Group InternationalMinority Rights Group InternationalMinority Rights Group International is an organisation founded with the objective of promoting respect for the human rights of ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and indigenous peoples around the world...
(MRG) - Rainforest Foundation UK
- Survival InternationalSurvival InternationalSurvival International is a human rights organisation formed in 1969 that campaigns for the rights of indigenous tribal peoples and uncontacted peoples, seeking to help them to determine their own future. Their campaigns generally focus on tribal peoples' fight to keep their ancestral lands,...
United States
- Center for World Indigenous StudiesCenter for World Indigenous StudiesThe Center for World Indigenous Studies is a non-profit American organization. It was founded in 1984 by Dr. Rudolph C. Ryser, Ph.D. and Chief George Manuel as an independent research and education organization...
(CWIS) - Cultural SurvivalCultural SurvivalCultural Survival is a nonprofit group based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA which is dedicated to defending the human rights of indigenous peoples. Their stated mandate is to promote the rights, voices and visions, of indigenous people. For 37 years, Cultural Survival has partnered with...
- Indigenous Peoples Council on BiocolonialismIndigenous Peoples Council on BiocolonialismThe Indigenous Peoples Council on Biocolonialism is a non-profit organization based in Nixon, Nevada for the purpose of political activism against the emergent field of population genetics for human migration research...
(IPCB) - Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy ProgramIndigenous Peoples Law and Policy ProgramThe James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona has created an academic center for the study of indigenous peoples' cultures, histories, languages, laws, and human rights. The Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program furthers the research, training, and advocacy of Indian law and...
(IPLP) - International Indian Treaty CouncilInternational Indian Treaty Council-Mission:The International Indian Treaty Council is an organization of Indigenous Peoples from North,Central, South America, the Caribbean and the Pacific working for the Sovereignty and Self- Determination of Indigenous Peoples and the recognition and protection of Indigenous Rights, Treaties,...
(IITC) - Rainforest Foundation USRainforest Foundation USThe Rainforest Foundation US is a non-profit NGO working in Central and South America. It is one of the first international organizations to support the indigenous peoples of the world's rainforests in their efforts to protect their environment and fulfill their rights to land, life and livelihood...
- TerralinguaTerralinguaTerralingua is a 501 non-profit organization under U.S. tax law and a registered non-profit society in Canada based on Salt Spring Island in Vancouver, British Columbia whose mission is to support the integrated protection, maintenance and restoration of the biocultural diversity of life...
Amazon Basin
- Amazon Conservation TeamAmazon Conservation TeamThe Amazon Conservation Team is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with indigenous people of tropical America in conserving the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest as well as the culture and land of its indigenous people....
(ACT) - Amazon WatchAmazon WatchFounded in 1996, Amazon Watch is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California. It works to protect the rainforest and advance the rights of indigenous peoples in the Amazon Basin...
- Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon River BasinCoordinator of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon River BasinCoordinator of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon River Basin was founded in 1984 in Lima, Peru. This organization coordinates the following nine national Amazonian indigenous organizations:...
(COICA)
Americas
- International Committee for the Indians of AmericaIncomindios SwitzerlandIncomindios Switzerland is a human rights organization that focuses on the rights of the native populations of North, South, and Central America....
(Incomindios Switzerland) - Mapuche International LinkMapuche International LinkMapuche International Link is an organization which campaigns on behalf of the Mapuche people of southern Chile and Argentina. The group was formed in 1996 and is based in Bristol, United Kingdom....
(MIL)
Australia
- Kimberley Land CouncilKimberley Land CouncilKimberley Land Council Aboriginal Corporation ICN 21 is an association of Aboriginal people in the Kimberley region. It was formed at a meeting at Noonkanbah Station in May 1978....
(KLC) http://klc.org.au/ - Reconciliation AustraliaReconciliation AustraliaReconciliation Australia is the non-government, not-for-profit foundation established in January 2001 to provide a continuing national focus for reconciliation. It was established by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation...
Bolivia
- Confederación de Pueblos Indígenas de Bolivia (CIDOB)
- Consejo Nacional de Ayllus y Markas del Qullasuyu (CONAMAQ)
Brazil
- Coordenação das Organizações Indígenas da Amazônia BrasileiraCoordination of the Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian AmazonCoordination of the Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon or COIAB is a Brazilian indigenous organization composed by several indigenous rights organizations of the Brazilian Amazon Basin. It was created at a meeting of indigenous leaders in April 1989 and is now composed of 75 member...
(COIAB)
Canada
- Assembly of First NationsAssembly of First NationsThe Assembly of First Nations , formerly known as the National Indian Brotherhood, is a body of First Nations leaders in Canada...
(AFN) - Congress of Aboriginal PeoplesCongress of Aboriginal PeoplesCongress of Aboriginal Peoples founded in 1971 as the Native Council of Canada, is a Canadian aboriginal organization, that represents Aboriginal Peoples who live off Indian reserves, either in urban and rural areas across Canada.Each CAP affiliate has its own constitution and is separately...
(CAP) - Federation of Saskatchewan Indian NationsFederation of Saskatchewan Indian NationsThe Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is a Saskatchewan-based First Nations organization.The federation grew out of a number of different organizations. Although the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians was organized in 1959 , it grew out of the Union of Saskatchewan Indians, founded...
(FSIN) - Inuit Tapiriit KanatamiInuit Tapiriit KanatamiThe Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is a nonprofit organization in Canada that represents over 50,400 Inuit. It was founded in 1971 by Tagak Curley as the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada...
(ITK) - Native Women's Association of CanadaNative Women's Association of CanadaThe Native Women's Association of Canada, or NWAC, is one of Canada's National Aboriginal Organizations, and represents Aboriginal women, particularly First Nations and Métis women. Inuit women are represented by the separate organization, Pauktuutit...
(NWAC) - Nunavut Tunngavik IncorporatedNunavut Tunngavik IncorporatedNunavut Tunngavik Incorporated is the legal representative of the Inuit of Nunavut for the purposes of native treaty rights and treaty negotiation and one of the four regional members that make up the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami...
(NTI) - PauktuutitPauktuutitPauktuutit is an organization in Canada that represents Inuit women. It was officially started in 1984 and is headquartered in Ottawa for easier access to the Parliament of Canada. Every Canadian Inuit woman is considered to be a member of Pauktuutit...
- RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values & Environmental Needs)RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values & Environmental Needs)R.A.V.E.N. Respecting Aboriginal Values & Environmental Needs is a charitable organization that provides financial resources to assist Aboriginal Nations within Canada in lawfully forcing industrial development to be reconciled with their traditional ways of life, and in a manner that addresses...
Colombia
- Organización Nacional Indígena de ColombiaNational Indigenous Organization of ColombiaThe National Indigenous Organization of Colombia is an organization representing the indigenous peoples of Colombia, who comprise some 800,000 people or approximately 2% of the population...
(ONIC)
Ecuador
- Confederación de Nacionalidades Indígenas del Ecuador (CONAIE)
- Confederación de las Nacionalidades Indígenas de la Amazonia Ecuatoriana (CONFENIAE)
- Confederación de Pueblos de la Nacionalidad Kichuas del EcuadorECUARUNARIECUARUNARI , also known as Confederation of Peoples of Kichwa Nationality is the organization of indigenous peoples of Kichwa nationality in the Ecuadorian central mountain region, founded in 1972.Twelve ethnic groups of the region—Natabuela, Otavalos, Karanki , Kayampi...
(ECUARUNARI)
Mexico
- Popular Indigenous Council of Oaxaca "Ricardo Flores Magón" (CIPO-RFM)
- Zapatista Army of National LiberationZapatista Army of National LiberationThe Zapatista Army of National Liberation is a revolutionary leftist group based in Chiapas, the southernmost state of Mexico....
(EZLN)
Norway
- Norske Samers RiksforbundNorwegian Sami AssociationThe Norwegian Sami Association , also known as NSR, is the largest Sámi organization in Norway. The association was founded in 1968.-Purpose:The NSR actively runs cultural, social, and informational work through local groups and Sami associations. In total 24 Sami associations are attached to the...
(NSR) - Samenes FolkeforbundSami League of NationSami League of Nation is an organization for the Sami people in Norway. Sami League of Nation was established in 1993....
Peru
- Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP)
- Peru Support GroupPeru Support GroupThe Peru Support Group was established in 1983 to raise awareness of human rights violations committed during Peru’s internal armed conflict. It is a UK-based advocacy organisation with a fee-paying membership of approximately 500 people...
(PSG)
United States
- Alaska Federation of NativesAlaska Federation of NativesThe Alaska Federation of Natives is the largest statewide Native organization in Alaska. Its membership includes 178 villages , thirteen regional native corporations, and twelve regional nonprofit and tribal consortiums that contract and run federal and state programs...
- American Indian Defense AssociationAmerican Indian Defense AssociationThe American Indian Defense Association was an organization founded in 1923 by social worker John Collier, that fought to protect religious freedom and tribal property for Native Americans in the United States.-History of the AIDA:...
(AIDA) - Blood Quantum ReformBlood Quantum ReformThe Blood Quantum Reform is a grassroots Native American/Indigenous activist movement in the United States, started around 1999 in Southeast Texas by urban Native Americans...
(BQR) - Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife CommissionGreat Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife CommissionThe Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission is an inter-tribal, co-management agency committed to the implementation of off-reservation treaty rights on behalf of its eleven-member Ojibwa tribes...
(GLIFWC) - Honor the EarthHonor The EarthHonor The Earth is a non-profit organization founded to raise awareness and financial support for Indigenous environmental justice. The organization was founded by Indigo Girls Amy Ray and Emily Saliers after meeting Winona LaDuke in 1991 in collaboration with Indigenous Environmental Network,...
- Inter-Tribal Environmental CouncilInter-Tribal Environmental CouncilThe Inter-Tribal Environmental Council was set up in 1992 to protect the health of Native Americans, their natural resources and environment. To accomplish this ITEC provides technical support, training and environmental services in a variety of disciplines. Currently, there are over forty ITEC...
(ITEC) - National Congress of American IndiansNational Congress of American IndiansThe National Congress of American Indians is a American Indian and Alaska Native indigenous rights organization. It was founded in 1944 in response to termination and assimilation policies that the U.S. government forced upon the tribal governments in contradiction of their treaty rights and...
(NCAI) - National Indian Youth CouncilNational Indian Youth CouncilThe National Indian Youth Council or "NIYC" is considered the nation’s second oldest American Indian organization and currently has a membership of more than 15,000 nationwide. It was the first independent Native student organization, and one of the first Native organizations to use direct action...
NIYC) - Native American Rights FundNative American Rights FundThe Native American Rights Fund, also known as NARF, is a non-profit organization that uses existing laws and treaties to ensure that state governments and the national government live up to their legal obligations...
(NARF) - White Earth Land Recovery ProjectWhite Earth Land Recovery ProjectThe White Earth Land Recovery Project is a nonprofit organization that seeks to recover land for the Anishinaabeg people on the White Earth Indian Reservation in Minnesota...
(WELRP) - Women's National Indian AssociationWomen's National Indian AssociationThe Women’s National Indian Association was founded in 1879 by a group of American women including Mary Bonney and Amelia Stone Quinton. Bonney and Quinton united against the encroachment of white settlers on land set aside for Native Americans. They also drew up a petition that addressed the...
Regional
Africa- African Commission on Human and Peoples' RightsAfrican Commission on Human and Peoples' RightsThe African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights is a quasi-judicial body tasked with promoting and protecting human rights and collective rights throughout the African continent as well as interpreting the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and considering individual complaints of...
(ACHPR)
Arctic
- Arctic CouncilArctic CouncilThe Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum which addresses issues faced by the Arctic governments and the indigenous people of the Arctic.- History of the Arctic Council :...
Australia
- National Native Title TribunalNational Native Title TribunalThe National Native Title Tribunal is an independent body that assists people to reach timely and effective outcomes for disputes about native title in Australia....
Brazil
- Fundação Nacional do ÍndioFundação Nacional do ÍndioFundação Nacional do Índio or FUNAI is a Brazilian governmental protection agency for Indian interests and their culture.It was originally called the SPI and was founded by the Brazilian Marshal Cândido Rondon in 1910, who also created the agency's motto, "Die if necessary, but never kill." The...
(FUNAI)
Canada
- Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AADNC)
Mexico
- Comisión Nacional para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos IndígenasNational Commission for the Development of Indigenous PeoplesThe National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples is a decentralized agency of the Mexican Federal Public Administration. It was founded in 2003 as a replacement for the National Indigenist Institute . It has its headquarters in Mexico City and, since 15 December 2006, has been...
(CDI)
New Zealand
- Minister of Māori AffairsMinister of Maori AffairsThe Minister of Māori Affairs is the minister of the New Zealand government with broad responsibility for government policy towards Māori, the first inhabitants of New Zealand. The current Minister of Māori Affairs is Dr. Pita Sharples.-Role:...
Philippines
- National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
United States
- Bureau of Indian AffairsBureau of Indian AffairsThe Bureau of Indian Affairs is an agency of the federal government of the United States within the US Department of the Interior. It is responsible for the administration and management of of land held in trust by the United States for Native Americans in the United States, Native American...
International
- United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous IssuesUnited Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous IssuesThe United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is the UN's central coordinating body for matters relating to the concerns and rights of the world's indigenous peoples. "Indigenous person" means native, original, first people and aboriginal. There are more than 370 million indigenous...
(UNPFII) - Unrepresented Nations and Peoples OrganizationUnrepresented Nations and Peoples OrganizationThe Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization , formed in 11 February 1991, in The Hague, is an international organization of political organisations and governments representing self-proclaimed "indigenous peoples, minorities, and unrecognised or occupied territories". The organization...
(UNPO)