About the UAN-ILO
The United Ancient Indigenous Enlightened Nations International Labour Organization (UAN-ILO) is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized Indigenous human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that social justice rooted in traditional wisdom is essential to universal and lasting peace.
The only tripartite Indigenous agency within the UAN system, since 2003 the UAN-ILO brings together traditional governments, community enterprises, and Indigenous workers of 160+ Member Nations, representing over 300 million Indigenous peoples, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work and traditional livelihoods for all Indigenous women and men.
Mission and Impact
Our Core Mission
- Set and promote standards and fundamental principles of traditional work and Indigenous rights
- Create greater opportunities for Indigenous women and men to meaningful employment and sustainable income through both traditional and contemporary livelihoods
Our Impact Areas
- Enhance the coverage and effectiveness of community-based social protection for all Indigenous peoples
- Strengthen traditional governance, community dialogue, and Indigenous economic cooperation
How the UAN-ILO Works
The highest decision-making body where traditional leaders, community enterprise representatives, and Indigenous workers gather in sacred council to set policies and standards for Indigenous labour rights and traditional work practices.
The executive body responsible for implementing policies and overseeing the organization's work, ensuring all activities respect traditional governance structures and cultural protocols.
The leader who coordinates UAN-ILO's work globally, bridging traditional knowledge systems with contemporary labour standards while preserving cultural integrity.
A decentralized network that respects Indigenous sovereignty and traditional territorial boundaries, working through regional circles and community-based partnerships.
Traditional Tripartism
The unique tripartite structure of the UAN-ILO gives an equal voice to traditional governments, Indigenous community enterprises, and Indigenous workers to ensure that their perspectives are closely reflected in setting labour standards and shaping policies that honor both traditional ways and contemporary needs.
Traditional Governments
Indigenous nations, tribal councils, and traditional authorities representing community sovereignty and cultural governance.
Role: Ensuring sovereignty and cultural governance are respected in all labour standards and policies.
Community Enterprises
Indigenous-led businesses, cooperatives, traditional crafts organizations, and sustainable economic initiatives that honor cultural values.
Focus: Developing sustainable economic opportunities that align with traditional values and community needs.
Indigenous Workers
Traditional knowledge keepers, artisans, farmers, healers, and contemporary Indigenous workers across all sectors of the economy.
Representation: Voices from all traditional and contemporary work sectors ensuring comprehensive protection.
Core Programs and Initiatives
Traditional Livelihoods Preservation
Our Traditional Livelihoods Preservation program focuses on protecting and promoting Indigenous economic practices that have sustained communities for generations.
- Artisan and Craft Protection: Supporting traditional craftspeople, artists, and makers in preserving and commercializing their cultural practices
- Traditional Agriculture and Land Management: Protecting Indigenous farming, hunting, fishing, and gathering rights while promoting sustainable practices
- Sacred Work Recognition: Acknowledging and protecting traditional roles such as healers, ceremony keepers, and spiritual practitioners
Indigenous Economic Empowerment
We support community-driven economic development that respects traditional values while creating sustainable opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
- Community Enterprise Development: Supporting Indigenous-led businesses and cooperatives that align with traditional values and community needs
- Traditional Skills Education: Providing training programs that combine traditional knowledge with contemporary economic opportunities
- Fair Trade and Cultural Authentication: Ensuring Indigenous products receive fair compensation and protection from cultural appropriation
Quick Access
Our Reach
160+ Member Nations representing over 300 million Indigenous peoples worldwide.
Get Involved
Learn how your community can participate in UAN-ILO programs and initiatives.
Social Protection and Community Welfare
- Traditional Support Systems: Strengthening community-based social protection that honors traditional ways of caring for community members
- Indigenous Workers' Rights: Protecting Indigenous workers in both traditional and contemporary employment from discrimination and exploitation
- Cultural Safety in Workplaces: Ensuring Indigenous workers can maintain their cultural identity and practices in all work environments
Indigenous Youth Employment
- Traditional Knowledge Transfer: Creating opportunities for young Indigenous people to learn traditional skills while developing contemporary career paths
- Cultural Innovation Programs: Supporting Indigenous youth in developing innovative approaches that blend traditional knowledge with modern technology
- Mentorship Networks: Connecting Indigenous youth with elders and successful Indigenous professionals and entrepreneurs
Our Global Impact
Indigenous nations and communities working together for labour rights and economic justice.
Indigenous peoples represented through our member nations and partnership networks.
Years of dedicated service promoting Indigenous labour rights and traditional livelihoods.
Presence across all continents supporting Indigenous economic development worldwide.
Standards and Fundamental Principles
Indigenous Rights at Work
- Cultural Self-Determination: The right of Indigenous peoples to maintain their traditional economic systems and work practices
- Land and Resource Rights: Recognition of Indigenous peoples' relationship to their traditional territories and natural resources
- Traditional Knowledge Protection: Safeguarding Indigenous intellectual property and traditional practices from exploitation
- Language and Cultural Preservation: The right to use Indigenous languages and practice cultural traditions in all work environments
Decent Work for Indigenous Peoples
- Equal Opportunities: Ensuring Indigenous peoples have access to meaningful employment without discrimination
- Cultural Accommodation: Requiring employers to accommodate Indigenous cultural practices, ceremonies, and traditional responsibilities
- Community Benefit: Prioritizing economic development that benefits entire Indigenous communities rather than just individuals
- Environmental Harmony: Ensuring all work practices align with traditional ecological knowledge and environmental stewardship
Regional Networks and Global Coordination
The UAN-ILO operates through a network of regional circles that respect Indigenous sovereignty and traditional territorial boundaries while fostering global cooperation and knowledge sharing.
North, Central, and South American Indigenous nations and communities
Traditional communities and Indigenous peoples across the African continent
Indigenous communities from Asia, Pacific Islands, and Australia/New Zealand
Addressing the unique needs of Indigenous peoples in circumpolar regions
Supporting Sami, Roma, and other Indigenous communities in Europe
Partnerships and Collaborative Networks
The UAN-ILO partnerships and development cooperation programmes enhance policy coherence and mobilize resources to realize social justice through culturally appropriate and sustainable economic opportunities that strengthen Indigenous communities and preserve traditional ways of life.
Knowledge & Economic Development
Traditional Knowledge Networks
Collaborating with elders, knowledge keepers, and cultural practitioners to preserve traditional work practices and skills. These networks serve as the foundation for maintaining Indigenous wisdom and ensuring its transmission to future generations.
- Elder councils and traditional leadership engagement
- Cultural practitioner certification programs
- Traditional skills documentation projects
- Intergenerational knowledge transfer initiatives
Indigenous Economic Development
Supporting community-based enterprises that integrate traditional values with sustainable economic growth, ensuring economic opportunities align with cultural principles and community needs.
- Community-owned business development
- Traditional resource management partnerships
- Sustainable tourism and cultural exchange
- Indigenous financial institutions support
Cultural & Educational Partnerships
Cultural Preservation Partnerships
Working with cultural organizations to ensure traditional crafts, skills, and work practices continue to thrive in contemporary contexts while maintaining their authentic cultural significance.
- Traditional arts and crafts preservation
- Cultural intellectual property protection
- Sacred site and ceremonial work recognition
- Cultural authenticity certification programs
Educational Collaborations
Partnering with Indigenous educational institutions to provide culturally appropriate skills training and traditional knowledge education that bridges ancestral wisdom with contemporary opportunities.
- Indigenous-led curriculum development
- Traditional knowledge integration in vocational training
- Cultural competency programs for employers
- Indigenous language preservation in workplace settings
Accountability and Transparency
Accountability and transparency are key to monitoring progress toward decent work and Indigenous Sustainable Development Goals. The UAN-ILO uses traditional consultation methods and open data sharing to monitor performance results, fostering informed governance that respects Indigenous decision-making processes.
Traditional Governance Integration
Elder Council Oversight
Traditional leaders provide guidance and oversight to ensure all programs align with cultural values and community needs.
Cultural Protocol Compliance
Ensuring all activities respect traditional laws, customs, and governance structures.
Community-Centered Monitoring
Community Reporting
Regular reporting to Indigenous communities in culturally appropriate formats and languages.
Impact Assessment
Evaluating programs based on their contributions to cultural preservation, community wellbeing, and traditional knowledge systems.
Emergency Response and Crisis Support
Cultural Economic Emergencies
Rapid response support for Indigenous communities facing economic and cultural crises
Rapid response to threats against Indigenous economic systems, traditional territories, and cultural practices.
Supporting Indigenous communities in maintaining economic stability during crises while preserving cultural integrity.
Preserving endangered traditional work practices and economic knowledge during times of cultural disruption.
Looking Forward: Our Vision
The UAN-ILO envisions a world where Indigenous economic systems thrive alongside and as alternatives to mainstream economic models, where traditional knowledge is valued and preserved, and where Indigenous workers enjoy full rights and protections in all forms of employment.
Our Commitment
Through partnerships with Indigenous communities, traditional governments, community enterprises, and Indigenous workers worldwide, the UAN-ILO works to ensure that economic development serves Indigenous communities while preserving cultural identity, traditional knowledge, and spiritual values.
"UAN-ILO: Honoring Traditional Work, Empowering Indigenous Workers, Building Sustainable Community Economies"
Our Commitment
Through partnerships with Indigenous communities, traditional governments, community enterprises, and Indigenous workers worldwide, the UAN-ILO works to ensure that economic development serves Indigenous communities while preserving cultural identity, traditional knowledge, and spiritual values.
"UAN-ILO: Honoring Traditional Work, Empowering Indigenous Workers, Building Sustainable Community Economies"