Indigenous stories are global stories

Indigenous stories are often framed as historical footnotes, but a Global Voices examination argues they should be understood as crucial to the planet's future. Indigenous peoples represent six point two percent of the global population, yet occupy and steward twenty-five percent of Earth's landmass, housing significant biodiversity. Contrary to stereotypes about primitivity, this diversity thrives because of sophisticated Indigenous land management practices developed over centuries. These same peoples have contributed staple crops—potatoes, maize, quinoa—medicines, sports, and concepts like constitutional federalism. Today, as governments and corporations press Indigenous territories for extraction, the case is clear: the knowledge and stewardship of four hundred and seventy-six million people must be central to how we secure the planet's future.

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