indigenous people argue that being indigenous is a state of mind and birth; most
retain their connection to traditional lands wherever they reside.
In 1990, the global indigenous population was approximately 300 million
across more than 70 countries (Burger, 1990). Indigenous groups are spread across
all inhabited continents and many islands; representing all regions. They include
the indigenous peoples of North and South America, the Inuit, Aleutians and
Saami of the circumpolar region, the Ma¯ori of New Zealand and many inhabitants
of Europe, Asia and the Pacific region. Most groups have been subject to similar
colonial experiences, characterised by disadvantage, dispossession of traditional
lands, and loss or dilution of culture. Colonialism continues to occur wherever
dominant cultures attempt to suppress the traditional cultures within their
sphere of influence