Worldwide, there are hundreds of millions of Indigenous people and ethnic minorities living in almost one hundred countries. They rightfully own, occupy, and protect a significant chunk of the world’s surface area, preserving the culture of the local community and safeguarding its biodiversity.
Yet, despite the extreme importance that Indigenous people have and being, in themselves, humans, there is still so much to be done to uphold their fundamental rights and ensure that they are given opportunities to live a quality life.
Not only are they discriminated against, but they also face the reality of eviction from their ancestral lands and being victims of violence. The work, therefore, of organizations that advance the rights and welfare of Indigenous people is all the more crucial and needs to be highlighted. Global Initiative for Indigenous Advancement or GIAA is one of the charitable institutions whose mission revolves around securing opportunities that enable Indigenous people to live safer and healthier.
Founded in 2000, this 501c3 NGO has committed itself to advance the status of Indigenous people worldwide. By splitting their mission into four equally important pillars — social, health, education, and economic –, GIIA can better serve the Indigenous communities all over the world. They wish not only to respond to their plights but also to address the root causes behind the issues depriving Native people of their rights and privileges.
Through facilitating access to proper health care, business training, educational workshops, college funding, and networks, GIIA hopes to empower Indigenous people. It also strives to give Nations and their members a variety of helpful tools not only to survive and thrive.
And at its core, the most integral component of Global Initiative for Indigenous Advancement is the people that tirelessly work together. And they look forward to having more advocates join in because GIIA believes that by banding together and creating a vast network of people with various experience and resources, the organization’s initiative to support and advance Indigenous people evolves from being a dream to an eventual reality.
Behind the scenes, the Global Initiative for Indigenous Advancement is led by a team of cause-oriented individuals who are passionate about creating opportunities for Indigenous people worldwide. At its helm is Daniel Thomas, a descendant of the Oneida people and the traditional chief of the Delaware Nation, Lenape People. As the President of the Board of Directors and Chief Servant Leader of GIIA, he urges people to take part in pushing for the welfare of Native communities.
Anyone, from entrepreneurs and social activists to students and humanitarians, can contribute to making society a better place for Indigenous people. Donating to the cause and signing up to be a member of GIIA and serving as an ally are two of the most impactful ways anyone can do to aid GIIA to succeed in their mission.
If you want to lend a hand and learn more about how GIIA is serving the Indigenous communities around the world, you can visit its website. You can also reach out to Daniel on his Facebook page to know how you can make a difference.
