TAMBUNAN: The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is not merely a celebration of cultural diversity, but also an important platform to recognise Indigenous rights, protect customary land, preserve traditional knowledge and strengthen self-governance, said Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF) President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
He said this when officiating the 2026 International Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration (Phoas 2026) at Kampung Rantai, here, last Sunday.
The Keningau MP and Tambunan Assemblyman said the celebration was significant as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples had received official recognition from the United Nations (UN).
He said while some might view the occasion mainly as a cultural event featuring traditional attire, food, dances and games, these traditions represented a broader effort to safeguard the identity, rights and dignity of Indigenous communities.
Dr Jeffrey, who is also Sabah Agricultural Marketing Board (Sama) chairman, highlighted the establishment of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982, which paved the way for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2007.
He said the UN General Assembly designated Aug 9 as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in 1994.
Commenting on this year’s theme, which focuses on Indigenous midwives, traditional knowledge, biodiversity, climate action, sustainable energy and wellbeing, Dr Jeffrey said Indigenous knowledge remained relevant in protecting community health and the environment.
“Indigenous communities should not merely be recipients of development benefits, but must be empowered to manage resources, make decisions and govern their villages according to local customs and values,” he said.
He stressed that protecting customary land, forests and rivers was crucial, as damage to these resources could affect the language, culture, knowledge and identity of future generations.
Tambunan also made history by hosting the celebration again, having previously hosted the 4th National International Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration (Hoas-4) on Aug 9, 1998.
Phoas 2026 was jointly organised by several organisations, including the Malaysian Indigenous Women’s Organisation (PWOAM), Pacos Trust, Centre for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC), Tonibung, Sadia, Pertubuhan Rakyat Mamakat and Persatuan Suara Anak Sabah (PSAS), under the leadership of organising chairperson Hilda Pius.
The five-day event, held from Aug 6 to 10, brought together about 350 participants from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
Participants included members of various Indigenous communities from the three regions, including the Jakun, Temiar, Temuan, Mah Meri, Semoq Beri, Jahai, Bidayuh, Iban, Penan, Kayan, Kenyah, Dusun, Sungai, Murut, Kadazan, Rungus, Tombonuo and Tidung communities.
The programme featured discussions on Indigenous village self-governance, dialogue forums, regional planning sessions and academic discussions on a just energy transition and women’s rights under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) General Recommendation No. 39.
Traditional activities such as rampanau, slingshot, blowpipe, coconut bowling, merambat, tug-of-war, moniri, betel nut peeling and rattan splitting were also held.
The highlight on Aug 9 was the gong-beating ceremony officiated by Dr Jeffrey, followed by visits to exhibition booths, traditional cooking demonstrations and a Cultural Night showcasing the heritage of the three regions.
Overall, Phoas 2026 provided a platform to strengthen networks, raise awareness of Indigenous rights and preserve the heritage and identity of Indigenous communities for future generations.
