What does the future hold for Indigenous Peoples around the world? There is no clear answer to this question. Each government must review past treatment and current conditions to determine what should [could] be done to improve the lives of its indigenous peoples. The issues of the past are numerous and unique to each government. Issues include: political power, education, environment, land [territory], intellectual property, poverty, and the list goes on. According to Gillette Hall and Harry Anthony Patrinos “the United Nations proclaimed the period 1995-2004 as the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples” (76). Today, there are still unresolved issues that challenge the very existence of the future of indigenous peoples around the world. To move forward it is still necessary to look back and review the processes that improved indigenous livelihoods and what the failures were. If there is to be a change for the betterment of all indigenous people; the entire international society in the world should draw up an agenda to commit to respecting the rights of indigenous peoples. First, the issue of adequate representation in the body that makes decisions for the rights of indigenous peoples must be addressed, to ensure the needs and wants of indigenous peoples are met. The Human Rights Council which constitutes the forum through which indigenous peoples have the opportunity to denounce their experience of marginalization, discrimination and violation of human rights; must gain a stronger voice to ensure that problems are resolved when they are reported. If problems remain unresolved, legislation is needed that punishes governments involved in wrongdoing. Consequently, t...... middle of paper ......197. PrintLutz, Ellen. “Indigenous peoples around the world must have the right to water.” Global Viewpoints: Indigenous Peoples. Ed. Diane Andrews Henningfeld. Detroit – New York – San Francisco – New Haven, Connecticut – Waterville, Maine – London: Greenhaven Press. 2009. 125-134. PrintO'Grady, Anthony. “Aboriginal Australians must protect their ownership of artistic culture.” "Global Viewpoints: Indigenous Peoples. Ed. Diane Andrews Henningfeld. Detroit – New York – San Francisco – New Haven, Connecticut – Waterville, Maine – London: Greenhaven Press. 2009. 198-207. PrintWoodman, Jo, Sophie Grig “Land loss causes damage to the health of indigenous peoples”. Global views: indigenous peoples. Ed. Diane Andrews Henningfeld Press. 2009. 135-146