Indigenous Peoples' Day

Keystone celebrated the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People on 9 August 2008. A special day-long programme was organised at the CSI Higher Secondary School grounds in Kotagiri. Over 600 people, elders, men, women and children, attended the programme. There were dance performances by the attending Toda, Kota, Irula and Kurumba community members. An exhibition on indigenous peoples was put up. Ms Selvi delivered the welcome speech and was the mistress of ceremonies. Mr Leo Roberts explained the significance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Among the special guests were Mr Raju, the President of the Nilgiri Adivasi Welfare Association (NAWA), the President of the Kotagiri Panchayat, and the Tamil Nadu Minister for Khadi & Village Industries. As part of Keystone's programme of documenting indigenous knowledge, a book on Irula medicine was released on the occasion. A sumptuous lunch was enjoyed by all.



















































Read the message from Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO,on the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous People, 9 August 2008, here.

Hear an interview with John Tarawe, Chairman, e-Bario Knowledge Fair, on E-inclusion for indigenous people here.

See a slide-show of pictures from the Keystone programme.