IWGIA's overall goal is to endorse and promote indigenous peoples' right to self-determination, their cultural integrity and their right to development on their own conditions. In order to fulfil this task, IWGIA works within a wide range of areas: Documentation, publication, human rights, lobbying, advocacy, research and projects.

IWGIA is an independent international membership organisation staffed by specialists and advisers on indigenous affairs.
IWGIA supports indigenous peoples' struggle for human rights, self-determination, right to territory, control of land and resources, cultural integrity, and the right to development.
IWGIA collaborates with indigenous peoples' organizations all over the world.
Documentation about indigenous affairs is an essential part of IWGIA's work. IWGIA publishes books, periodicals and a yearbook about indigenous peoples.
IWGIA holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is an observer to the Arctic Council.
The basis for IWGIA's activities is an integrated approach which aims to combine the key activities documentation and publication, human rights work, political lobbying and projects. IWGIA's work is primarily funded by the Nordic Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the European Union.
For more information: www.iwgia.org
Join IWGIA on Facebook, or find a selection of photos from our photoarchive on www.flickr.com/photos/iwgia