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Celebrating International Day of the World
LaJeune Adams

By: LaJeune Adams on August 3, 2023

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Celebrating International Day of the World's Indigenous People

Presbyterian Senior Living  |  Miscellaneous  |  Diversity & Inclusion

We celebrate International Day of the World's Indigenous People on August 9. We need indigenous communities for a better world. There are an estimated 476 million indigenous peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 cultures. They make up less than 5 percent of the world’s population, yet account for 15 percent of the poorest. Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life, and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years.

A few questions that are typically asked about this day:

What is the meaning of indigenous people?

Indigenous peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live.

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Does indigenous mean Native American?

“Indigenous” means the original inhabitants of a given land or region. “Indigenous peoples of America” has the same general meaning as “Native Americans,” and many people prefer this term's inclusivity. The term “Indigenous” makes it clear that they occupied the land first, without assigning the American nationality.

"Native Americans" (as defined by the United States Census) are Indigenous tribes that are originally from the contiguous United States, along with Alaska Natives. Indigenous peoples of the United States who are not American Indian or Alaska Native include Native Hawaiians, Samoans, and Chamorros.

We would like to recognize the contributions made by Native Americans on this day and celebrate Presbyterian Senior Living residents, family members and team members in this community.

To learn more about the contributions and history of Indigenous People; you may visit the websites below:

https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/faq/did-you-know

https://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/terminology/

Reference: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples | United Nations

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About LaJeune Adams

PSL’s Cultures and Values give assurance of our organization’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, through ensuring that all stakeholders feel that they belong. By lifting up voices and people, we will create an organization where all stakeholders feel that they are of value. As part of this commitment PSL formed Culture Champions within each community and location within the organization. Culture Champions are PSL representatives empowered with leading the movement of living and teaching our values while embracing DEI initiatives and encouraging others to do the same. As the Corporate Director of Education and Development and DEI Officer, LaJeune Adams is one of the PSL leaders that supports and works directly with the Culture Champions. LaJeune has worked with Presbyterian Senior Living for over 16 years in the roles of Human Resources Manager and Area Human Resources Director prior to her current role.