Indigenous peoples' sovereignty

Indigenous peoples' sovereignty refers to their inherent right to govern and make decisions about their own lands, cultures, and communities. It recognizes that Indigenous nations are distinct political entities with their own laws, traditions, and governance structures, existing before colonization. Sovereignty allows them to maintain cultural identity, control resources, and participate in decisions affecting their future. While this sovereignty is often acknowledged by governments, it varies in scope and recognition, and ongoing efforts aim to respect and support Indigenous peoples' rights to self-determination within broader national frameworks.