Heritage and the Human Rights of Indigenous and Minority Peoples

Indigenous peoples

アイヌ・先住民研究

While heritage is important to all societies, Indigenous peoples and other minority peoples have long had little control over their heritage as a result of colonialism and other historical disruptions. This is further complicated by the fact that Indigenous conceptions of heritage are generally very different from those of the dominant population. In order to more fully protect and respect their heritage, which is essential to their identity, worldview and wellbeing, we must recognize two things: 1) that heritage must be viewed as an essential human right, and 2) that the disrespect for or loss of Indigenous heritage places must be viewed as a type of violence against people. Also discussed is the impact of cultural appropriation on Indigenous lives. The paper concludes by offering some general recommendations for addressing these challenges.