Overview of Indigenous rights and outer space for the IAU-CPS Policy Hub

TL;DR

This paper explores the intersection of Indigenous rights and outer space activities, emphasizing the need for respectful collaboration and adherence to UNDRIP to prevent colonial exploitation and promote an anti-colonial future.

Contribution

It reviews how UNDRIP articles relate to outer space use and offers recommendations for inclusive, respectful engagement with Indigenous peoples in space activities.

Findings

Indigenous rights are relevant to outer space governance.

Consultation with Indigenous peoples is essential for ethical space activities.

Recommendations promote anti-colonial approaches in space exploration.

Abstract

As part of the mission of the International Astronomical Union Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (IAU-CPS) Policy Hub to consider national and international regulations about the usage and sustainability in outer space, we also included discussion specific to the rights of Indigenous peoples with respect to outer space under the context of the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). In this work, we review how some of the articles of UNDRIP require various actors in the use and exploitation of outer space including satellite companies, nation states, and professional/academic astronomy to consult and support Indigenous peoples/nations and respect Indigenous sovereignties. This work is concluded with recommendations for consulting and collaborating with Indigenous peoples and recommendations for moving from the traditional colonial exploitation of outer space and building an anti-colonial future in relationship with outer space.