WORLD INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat Acknowledges World Indigenous Peoples Day

The Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat joins the global community in acknowledging International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which is celebrated annually on 9 August.

Melanesia is home to some of the world’s most vibrant Indigenous cultures. Our five Members, comprising the states of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the Front Liberation Nationale Kanak Socialiste (FLNKS) of New Caledonia – represent over 1000 languages and thousands of years of connection to land and ocean.

Our Indigenous Identity

For Melanesians, being Indigenous means:

• Connection to Land & Sea: Customary ownership and stewardship of our reefs, forests, and islands.

• Living Culture: Kastom, sand drawing, navigation, dance, and traditional governance passed down by our Elders.

• Guardians of Nature: Our traditional practices of tabu, seasonal fishing, and community conservation protect biodiversity for future generations.

Indigenous knowledge is at the heart of Melanesian resilience.

From marine conservation in Vanuatu, to forest management in Solomon Islands, to cultural revival in New Caledonia, to Indigenous iTaukei communities in Fiji, and to forests conservation and cultural sites in Papua New Guinea.

MSG Commitment

The MSG Secretariat reaffirms its commitment to:

Upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples as outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Supporting Members to protect Indigenous languages, culture, and traditional knowledge

Promoting Indigenous-led solutions to climate change and sustainable development in Melanesia

We honour our Elders, our youth, and all communities in Melanesia who continue to protect our Melanesian way of life and celebrate who we are.