Today, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples invites a closer look at communities whose stories stretch far beyond recorded history. Proclaimed by the United Nations in 1994 and first observed in 1995, the day commemorates a landmark 1982 meeting on Indigenous rights. More than 476 million Indigenous people live across about 90 countries, representing thousands of cultures and protecting an estimated 80% of the planet's remaining biodiversity despite making up around 6% of the global population.

On New Caledonia's Tina Peninsula, the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre celebrates that living heritage. Designed by Renzo Piano and opened in 1998, its soaring curved structures echo traditional Kanak huts while incorporating modern materials and techniques. Winding paths connect spaces for art, research and performance, reflecting the enduring bond between culture, land and community.

The day is more than a celebration of identity—it's a reminder that Indigenous knowledge continues to protect ecosystems, preserve languages and enrich cultures around the world.