ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in the context of tourism, raising the question: to what extent is the United Nation’s (UN) Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People upheld. It examines current issues of Indigenous Peoples’ rights in different countries, particularly within the development of Indigenous tourism products. The chapter provides definitions of Indigenous People, and trace the context of historical conflict between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous peoples from the impacts of the Columbian Exchange to present-day examples. It also examines Indigenous People’s Rights, and the evolution of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The definition of ‘Indigenous People’ is not simple. Different countries have different criteria for their Indigenous Populations and Tribal Populations. Definitions and the recognition of Indigenous Peoples often happen through legal proceedings and even legal battles. Indigenous People have long been living in geographical areas before settlers arrived, setting up current state boundaries.
