After dozens of designers and celebrities have come under fire for their alleged cultural appropriation, indigenous groups from around the world are finally asking the United Nations to make the practice illegal. According to CBA News, 189 countries are currently in Geneva negotiating with the World Intellectual Property Organization over how to deal with the problem. Specifically, the groups are targeting brands that look to make a profit off of words, symbols, and styles that belong to the Indigenous People of the world. In 2012, Urban Outfitters found themselves in a lawsuit with the Navajo Nation after selling a collection of “Navajo” merchandise. This new legislation would allow for those involved in things like that to face legal action including possible jail time.

“We are only halfway through 2017 and yet the number of occurrences of misappropriation happening to Indigenous Peoples in all regions of the world seems relentless with no relief in sight," Aroha Te Pareake Mead a member of the Ngati Awa and Ngati Porou tribes told CBA. The committee is hoping to have new international laws that would place sanctions and regulations in place that would protect the intellectual property of indigenous people. James Anaya, dean of law at the University of Colorado told the committee, that the UN should, “Obligate states to create effective criminal and civil enforcement procedures to recognize and prevent the non-consensual taking and illegitimate possession, sale and export of traditional cultural expressions.”

After years of trying to protect their traditions, it looks like the Indigenous People of the world are starting to make some headway. Now, with the threat of going against guidelines likely resulting in something more serious than social media shame, hopefully, designers and brands will take notice.

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