Indigenous People
The Fault in Our Star Names
The International Astronomical Union has established a committee to finalize a list of official star names. Some companies offer unofficial naming rights for purchase. But the voices of certain communities are often left behind.
'Indigenous Writing Is Going to Continue to Set the Bar for Literary Excellence': An Interview With Alicia Elliott and Arielle Twist
Terese Marie Mailhot interviews Alicia Elliott and Arielle Twist about some recent triumphs in Indigenous literature—and about other triumphs still to come.
Indigenous Communities Are Better at Preserving Biodiversity, Research Shows
A new study adds to research showing concrete links between Indigenous rights to land and sustainable conservation.
The Killing of an Indigenous Leader in Brazil Is Part of a Global Trend of Attacks on Environmentalists
In 2018, more than 160 land and environmental defenders were killed—many of them Indigenous.
How Lakota Horse Culture Is Helping Treat Child Trauma in South Dakota
Greg Grey Cloud is combining traditional Lakota horse rituals with equine therapy to treat PTSD—and much more.
Mexico Asked Spain to Apologize for Its Conquest. Spain Said No.
The Spanish government rejected the Mexican president's demand, suggesting Spain's invasion of the Americas shouldn't be judged through our modern lens.
How a Border Wall Would Separate Indigenous Communities
Tens of thousands of people belonging to U.S. Native tribes live in the Mexican states and routinely cross the border to participate in cultural events.
Brazil's Bolsonaro Government Wants to Circumvent the Constitution to Allow Mining on Indigenous Lands
The Brazilian minister of mines and energy stated that Brazil would open its indigenous territories to mining interests without the consent of the affected population.
An Indigenous Critique of the Green New Deal
Nishnaabeg scholar Leanne Betasamosake Simpson explains why "green growth" isn't enough to save the planet.
Dear Alyssa Milano: If You Want to Stand With Native Women, Please Stop Selling Racist Clothes
You say you stand with victims. So why are you selling Redskins merchandise?
Measles Outbreak and California's Wet Weather: Stories You Might Have Missed This Week
A measles outbreak increases vaccination demand, a new bill would address the crisis of missing Native American women, and California's wet weather eases drought conditions.
Inside the Water Rights Battle Between the Mexican Government and the Mazahua
The State of Mexico is a nexus for a dispute between the government and the women-led activists of one of the country's largest indigenous groups.
Despite Potential Benefits, New Roads Cause Consternation in Indigenous Communities
New research finds that people from communities that weren't close to a road were more skeptical about the prospect of a new one.
The California Indigenous Peoples Using Fire for Agroforestry
Prescribed burning is the main tool in the Karuk and Yoruk tribes' agroforestry systems, which encourages proliferation of traditional foods, herbs, and medicines.
A Man Assaults a Native Woman—and Never Sees a Day in Jail
Seeing these crimes go unpunished can make indigenous communities feel hopeless. But in dark times, I take inspiration from our grandmothers.
Violence and Persecution of Indigenous Protesters Is on the Rise
A new report from the United Nations finds that there has been a sharp increase of instances of physical violence and legal prosecution against indigenous peoples in countries across the globe.
Inside the Struggling Effort to Bank the Indigenous Women of Mumbai
Despite a recent government initiative aimed at providing financial services to women in India, the populations most in need of assistance aren't seeing the benefits.
Why Do Native Women Keep Disappearing?
North America is still not safe for indigenous women—and we need all the support we can get.
Viewfinder: Celebrating Indigenous Communities in Bangladesh
A Bangladeshi child lights a candle to mark International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples in Dhaka on August 8th, 2018.
Measuring the Cost of Conservation
A new study in Madagascar shows that forest conservation projects come at a great price to the local population, many of whom are already struggling economically.
Will Artificial Intelligence Make Citizen Scientists Obsolete?
Deep learning models are allowing us to identify flora and fauna automatically. But are there scientific tasks—tasks so intrinsically human—that they can't be done by a computer?
What Happens When Your Government Unjustly Deems You a Terrorist?
A conversation with Joan Carling, Filipino gender equality advocate, former adviser to the United Nations, and an enemy of the state, according to the Duterte government.
As Asylum Seekers Head to Canada, Concerns Among the Local Indigenous Population Grow
An influx of refugees into Manitoba has raised concern among indigenous Canadians about how limited governmental resources will be distributed between the groups.
For Native Peoples the California Dream Is Only a Myth
A long, tortured history with colonizers makes the conventional aspirations of success not applicable to California Indians.