Our Mission
The Indigenous Peoples Repository exists to create a comprehensive, respectful, and accessible resource that celebrates the diversity, resilience, and continuing vitality of indigenous cultures worldwide.
Document
Preserve and share accurate information about indigenous peoples, their histories, languages, and cultural practices.
Collaborate
Work directly with indigenous communities to ensure authentic representation and support self-determination.
Educate
Foster understanding and respect for indigenous cultures while combating stereotypes and misinformation.
Our Values
Cultural Respect
Every piece of content is created with deep respect for the cultures represented, avoiding stereotypes and honoring indigenous perspectives.
Self-Determination
We amplify indigenous voices and link exclusively to indigenous-led organizations, supporting sovereignty and self-representation.
Accuracy
All information is thoroughly researched from reputable sources, with a commitment to factual accuracy and regular updates.
Accessibility
Free, open access to information with mobile-optimized design ensures knowledge reaches everyone, everywhere.
Living Cultures
We present indigenous peoples as vibrant, contemporary communities, not relics of the past.
Continuous Learning
We remain open to feedback and correction, continuously improving our content and approach.
Our Approach
Research Methodology
Each indigenous group page undergoes extensive research using:
- Academic sources and peer-reviewed publications
- Indigenous-authored materials and firsthand accounts
- Government census data and UN statistics
- Verified cultural organizations and museums
- Recent news and contemporary sources (within 5 years)
Design Philosophy
Every page features culturally-inspired design elements that honor each group's artistic traditions while maintaining accessibility and performance standards. Colors, patterns, and visual elements are carefully chosen to reflect cultural significance without appropriation.
Content Standards
- Present Tense: We discuss living cultures in the present tense
- Balanced Perspective: Including both historical challenges and contemporary achievements
- Named Individuals: Highlighting specific people and their contributions
- Multiple Voices: Incorporating diverse perspectives within communities
- Regular Updates: Keeping information current and relevant
Our Impact
By creating this repository, we aim to:
- Combat misinformation and stereotypes about indigenous peoples
- Provide educational resources for students, researchers, and the general public
- Support indigenous-led organizations through increased visibility
- Preserve and share knowledge about endangered languages and traditions
- Foster cross-cultural understanding and respect
- Create a model for ethical cultural documentation
Current Coverage
The repository currently documents over 1,200 indigenous groups across six continents, with each entry providing in-depth information about culture, history, language, and contemporary life. Our goal is to expand this coverage while deepening the quality of existing entries.
Contributors
This project is maintained by a dedicated team of researchers, developers, and cultural consultants committed to ethical documentation.
Research Team
Anthropologists and historians ensuring cultural accuracy
Technical Team
Developers creating accessible, performant web experiences
Cultural Advisors
Indigenous consultants guiding respectful representation
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that this digital repository exists on servers powered by infrastructure built on indigenous lands worldwide. We recognize and respect the traditional territories of all indigenous peoples and commit to supporting their sovereignty and self-determination.
Special Thanks
We extend our gratitude to:
- Indigenous communities who have shared their knowledge and stories
- Cultural organizations providing guidance and resources
- Academic institutions supporting ethical research practices
- Individual contributors who help keep information accurate and current
Get Involved
Help us build a more complete and accurate repository of the world's indigenous cultures