7 Things to Do on International Indigenous Women's Day

September 5 marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Women and Girls, honoring the strength, leadership, and resistance of Indigenous women across generations. The date commemorates Aymara warrior Bartolina Sisa, who, alongside Túpac Katari, helped lead the Aymara-Quechua resistance against Spanish colonial exploitation in 1780. On November 26, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly formally recognized September 5 through Resolution A/RES/80/10, establishing the day as an international observance and carrying forward a legacy rooted in Indigenous women’s resistance, resilience, and leadership. While too many women all over the world are still affected by violence and rights abuses, it is important to recognize the amazing work Indigenous women are doing to make change happen. Aimee Roberson (Choctaw and Chickasaw), Cultural Survival Executive Director, says, "On International Indigenous Women’s Day and every day, we honor and celebrate Indigenous women and the important roles they fulfill, including bringing forth life, continually caring for our communities, and keeping our lifeways and languages alive. Indigenous women are also at the forefront of defending our rights and taking up our responsibilities to steward and defend Mother Earth’s lands and waters. We are movement builders and system shakers, working towards a transformative, equitable, and just future for all our relations. Stand with us in solidarity, and join us in honoring, uplifting, and resourcing Indigenous women's leadership, so that next year we will have even more to celebrate!” 1. Celebrate some of the amazing Indigenous women working to make change happen around the world. Share their inspiring stories! #IndigenousWomenRising #NativeSistersBlossom #InternationalDayIndigenousWomen #IndigenousWomenLead #IndigenousWomen Nataly Domicó (Embera Eyabida) Traditional Healer, Midwife, and Knowledge Keeper Keepers of the Earth Fund Program Assistant Founder of Rematriation Historian and Co-Founder of Nekamaco (House of the Mother) Stephanie Thorassie (Sayisi Dene) Executive Director, Seal River Watershed Alliance Feminist Leader, Activist, and Writer Nuka Alice (Inuk, Kalaallit Nunaat/Greenland) Co-Chair of the International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC) Culture-Bearer, Drum Dancer, Songwriter, and Educator Brittney Peauwe Wunnepog Walley (Nipmuc) Ilenia May Pérez (Guna, Panama) Artist and Weaver Advocacy Program Coordinator Chenae Bullock (Shinnecock Indian Nation; Montauk descendant) Director of Advocacy and Communications Founder & CEO of Moskehtu Consulting Korina Emmerich (Puyallup) & Liana Shewey (Mvskoke) Nadia April (Nama-Damara, Khoe) Co-Founders of Relative Arts and Indigenous New York Fashion Week Keepers of the Earth Fund Program Coordinator Ñushpi Quilla Mayhuay Alancay (Kolla and Quechua) Co-Chair for Latin America and the Caribbean, Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the UNFCCC Advocacy Coordinator | 7. Donate to Cultural Survival! Today is also International Day of Charity observed annually on September 5 as declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, we hope we can count on you! For almost five decades, Cultural Survival has prioritized projects centering Indigenous women and engaging women’s and girls’ leadership. An investment in Cultural Survival is an investment in Indigenous women's and girls' leadership globally!