About Us
The Indigenous Information Network (IIN) is a non-profit, volunteer-run non-governmental organization (NGO) registered in the Republic of Kenya. Established in 1996 by a group of dedicated professionals, IIN was founded to address the critical need for information and advocacy for Indigenous Peoples, their livelihoods, and the challenges they face. Our organization is committed to empowering Indigenous communities, with a special focus on women, girls, children, youth, and other vulnerable members of society.
At IIN, we recognize that the conservation and protection of the environment is fundamental to the survival and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. Our work spans a wide range of development issues that impact Indigenous and local communities, including environmental conservation, health, women’s rights, education, water access, economic empowerment, and the preservation of traditional knowledge, language, and culture.
Our Focus Areas
- Environmental Conservation: We actively engage in environmental conservation efforts at local, national, regional, and international levels, focusing on multilateral agreements that protect natural resources and promote sustainability.
- Health and Well-being: We address crucial health issues, including sexual and reproductive health, to ensure that Indigenous communities have access to the care and resources they need.
- Women’s Rights and Gender Equality: IIN advocates for women’s rights, gender mainstreaming, and the empowerment of women and girls, ensuring they have equal opportunities in all aspects of life.
- Education: We prioritize education, particularly for girls, and work to improve access to quality education for all children in Indigenous communities.
- Water Access: We promote access to clean water through initiatives like rainwater harvesting and the protection of natural water sources, recognizing that clean water is essential for community health.
- Economic Empowerment: Our economic empowerment programs focus on fundraising and capacity building, especially for women and youth, to create sustainable livelihoods and reduce poverty.
- Cultural Preservation: We are dedicated to the protection and preservation of traditional knowledge, languages, and cultural practices, ensuring that the rich heritage of Indigenous communities is passed down to future generations.
- Land Rights: IIN advocates for land rights, with a particular emphasis on women’s access to and ownership of land and property, which is vital for economic independence and community resilience.
- Sustainable Development: We align our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.
Our Approach
We believe that information is empowering. By engaging communities and keeping them informed about development activities and issues affecting their lives, we foster informed decision-making and community participation. IIN helps establish resource and knowledge centers in communities, ensuring that local people have access to vital information and can share their concerns and ideas.
Networking and Collaboration
IIN actively engages in networking and information sharing between Indigenous Peoples across Africa and beyond, in line with the principles set out by the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). We utilize social media, newsletters, and other communication channels to keep communities updated and connected, ensuring that their voices are heard on the global stage.
Links of Interest
- The African Women’s Development Fund
- International Indian Treaty Council
- International Work Group on Indigenous Affairs
- Indigenous Knowledge and Peoples Network
- United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
- Convention on Biological Diversity
- DoCip – Centre for Documentation, Research and Information
- Traditional knowledge and the CBD
- .African Indigenous women organization
- Indigenous Womens exchange
- .UN Women
- International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity
- Madre