From August 6, 2009, to September 6, 2009, in the Documents of International Organizations Reading Room (the second floor, room 207g) is open a book exhibition “The indigenous: preserve the culture – preserve the people” dedicated to the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.
The event was established according to the UN General Assembly on December 23, 1994 and since 1995 is has been observed annually on August 9.
The aim of the World’s Indigenous People is to promote international cooperation in the field of culture, education, public health, human rights, environment, social and economic development and fight against isolation, discrimination and poverty among indigenous peoples.
Actually indigenous peoples total 300-500 million. They live in more than 70 countries and represent over 5000 languages and cultures. Having a centuries-old history of fight for surviving, they stay unique and distinctive.
Each indigenous people have their unique culture. Though most of them have common world view and peculiarities which inhere in all indigenous peoples their cultures are based on different histories and environment.
The exhibition totals about 60 documents of international organizations (the UNO, UNESCO, World Bank, Council of Europe etc.) in Russian and English languages: books, periodicals, mimeographed materials, brochures and booklets and reveals the following issues: international legislation in the field of indigenous peoples’ rights protection; indigenous peoples as keepers of cultural diversity, biodiversity and spiritual cultural heritage; environment, social and economic development of indigenous people; indigenous peoples and public health issues.
The exhibition is designed for everyone who is interested in the issues of ethnography, culture and demography.
