Indigenous peoples and the HDI in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States

A research article, entitled "Indigenous well-being in four countries: An application of the UNDP's Human Development Index to Indigenous Peoples in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States" is available online. The article compares the HDI, based on health (life expectancy), education (literacy) and economic standard of living (GDP per capita) between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in the four countries. It finds that there is a significant gap in all four countries, although the gap has narrowed somewhat in Canada, New Zealand and the United States. However, the HDI gap widened in Australia between 1990 and 2000.

The paper is available on the BMC International Health and Human Rights website.

Collective land rights in Panama

The Commission on Indigenous Isues of the Panamanian National Assembly approved law no. 411, which recognizes collective land rights of indigenous peoples in 48 municipalities. According to an article in prensa.com (see link below), this legislature will benefit the Kuna, Emberá, Wounaan, Ngöbe and Buglé peoples.

Tierras colectivas van para segundo debate

Inuit Language Protection Act approved in Nunavut

The Inuit Language Protection Act was approved on 18 September 2008 by the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.

News Release from the Government of Nunavut
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News item from CBC Canada