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Though the term has no universal definition, 'indigenous peoples' usually refers to an ethnic group inhabiting a geographic region from which they originated or which they have occupied for many centuries. Indigenous or tribal people, numbering at least 250 million throughout 70 different countries, are often characterized by strong attachment to the land; dependence on renewable natural resources, subsistence practices, distinct languages, and cultures; historical identities as distinct peoples; and, often, mistrust of outsiders. In many cases, their resources have been exploited for the benefit of other groups in society; in many countries they are the poorest of the poor. The challenge for extractive companies and other actors is to incorporate such diversity of culture, language, ecological adaptation, and history into development planning. Cultural barriers make it especially difficult for the outsider to communicate with indigenous groups, understand their institutions, or discern their needs. The characteristics of indigenous groups make participatory approaches especially critical to safeguarding their interests in the development process. Such approaches call for changes in attitudes, policies, and legislation to address the key issues: recognizing rights to land and natural resources, ensuring culturally appropriate procedures for consultation and communication, and building on the strengths of traditional lifestyles and institutions (councils, etc) for decision-making. Featured resources include the Working with Indigenous Communities Handbook and the International Labor Organization Convention on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.

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