Introduction
There are approximately 5,000 Indigenous groups and nations worldwide which total ~476,000,000 individuals from 90+ countries. They represent ~5,000 cultures, speak ~50% of the world’s languages, and inhabit ~25% of the world’s land.
The purpose of this effort is to form an international independent cooperative platform consisting of, dedicated to, and to act as a mechanism between the Indigenous nations and groups throughout the world. The International Council of Indigenous Peoples and Nations will consist exclusively of Indigenous nations representatives and group members from throughout the world. This will give Indigenous nations and groups united representation on an international scale creating the ability to assist other nations in many ways; including, but not limited to: logistics, financial, legal and educational. It will be unique both in its ability to represent Indigenous peoples, nations and groups across the world and in the size of its representation.
The organizational efforts will be assisted by the Institute for Natural Philosophy, the International Indigenous Peoples and Nations Annual Exposition Committee, and the International Indigenous Cultural Center which will be located in Knoxville Tennessee or the surrounding area.
Knoxville is part of the traditional territory and/or original homeland of the Tsalaguwetiyi peoples (now Eastern Band of Cherokee, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee), Tsoyahá peoples (Yuchi, Muscogee Creek), Shawnee peoples, Chiaha peoples, Chisca peoples, Coushatta (Koasati) peoples, and Catawaba peoples.
The Institute for Natural Philosophy gratefully acknowledges these Native Peoples who used and were the original stewards of this area’s land, whose ancestral homelands were located here, as well as the diverse and vibrant Native communities and individuals who make their home here today. The International Indigenous Cultural Center is committed to honoring and respecting this local history and heritage by having within it a permanently dedicated section to them.
General Information
The organizational efforts will be assisted by the Institute for Natural Philosophy & the International Indigenous Cultural Center. Learn more about the Institute for Natural Philosophy here. Learn more about the International Indigenous Cultural Center here. Every effort will be made to reach each single Indigenous nation and group. This will be accomplished by both direct communication to the nations, groups, and the international groups that have members and/or representatives from many of the nations and groups. The Indigenous Advisory Committee will also provide guidance and organizational support. Learn more about committees and get involved here. The organizational efforts will result in the approval of the charter and bylaws and the legal formation of the stand alone nonprofit by the original founding charter trustees.
Link to provide support:
International Council of Indigenous Peoples and Nations
Detailed Information
Each Indigenous nation and group will have the opportunity to have a representative become a member thus having a say and vote in what the International Council of Indigenous Peoples and Nations does as a collective and with the money raised. The organization will be formed as a self standing not-for-profit entity thus ensuring 100% of funds raised can be utilized as deemed fit. It will follow a preset charter and bylaws. There will be an annual meeting physically based in Knoxville, Tennessee USA although members may attend via live video or audio communication.
The annual meeting will take place in conjunction with the International Indigenous Peoples and Nations Annual Exposition event which exclusively benefits them. The International Council of Indigenous Peoples and Nations will have a Trust Fund that will be controlled by them. This is where all the money raised will be kept from the International Indigenous Peoples and Nations Annual Exposition event proceeds as well as all other funds raised.
See our International Indigenous Peoples and Nations Annual Exposition post for details on the event here.
