What do you mean by “indigenous”?

There is no universally accepted definition for “indigenous,” though there are characteristics that tend to be common among indigenous peoples: they identify as indigenous and are recognised as such; they have distinct social, economic or political systems; they have distinct language, culture and beliefs; they have strong links to their territories and surrounding natural resources; they are often minorities in their respective societies; they live in historical continuity with pre-colonial and/or pre-settler societies; and they resolve to maintain and reproduce their ancestral environments and systems as distinctive peoples and communities.

In the Congo Basin, indigenous peoples are often heavily reliant on their customary lands, particularly on forest resources. They are also ethnically diverse and include the following: Aka-Mbendjele, Akowa (Bakowa), Baka, BaAka (also known as BaMbenzele), Babinga, Babembe, Bafuleru, Bakola, Bagyeli, Bambongo, Banyindu, Barega, Barimba, Bashi, Batwa, Bavira, Bedzang, Bekui, Bolemba, Bouaka Cwa, Efe, Gbaya Bofi, Kaka, Mbati/Issongo, Mbuti and Mikaya. They are also known as “Pygmies”, though this term can be considered derogatory.