Founder and Executive Director – Forum des Femmes Autochtones du Cameroun (FFAC)

World Indigenous Peoples’ Day 9 August 2025

Theme: “Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence: Defending Rights, Shaping the Future”

Today, as the world marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we join voices with our sisters, brothers, and allies across the globe to reaffirm our commitment to the dignity, rights, and future of Indigenous communities.

In Cameroon, Indigenous women and girls are at the heart of our communities’ survival as guardians of culture, stewards of the land, and leaders in resilience. Yet, in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we face both great opportunities and urgent challenges.

AI has the potential to amplify our voices, preserve our languages, and strengthen access to education, health, and justice. But without inclusion, it can also deepen inequalities, erase our stories, and leave our knowledge systems invisible in the digital age. Indigenous women and girls must not be left behind in this technological transformation.

At FFAC, we believe that AI should be a tool for empowerment designed with our participation, guided by our values, and respectful of our cultural heritage. We call on governments, development partners, and the tech sector to work with Indigenous communities to ensure that AI protects our rights, promotes gender equality, and supports our self-determined development.

As we celebrate this day, let us remember: the future we shape today will define the survival and identity of generations to come. With courage, knowledge, and solidarity, Indigenous women and girls will stand at the forefront — defending our rights and shaping a future where technology serves humanity and Mother Earth.

Happy World Indigenous Peoples’ Day!