Indigenous peoples number over 200 million and constitute four percent of the world's population. They live in every part of the world and share a tragic common history: invasion of their lands and alteration of their environment, abrogation of treaties, continuing violence against their peoples, discrimination and abuse, poor health care and disadvantaged living conditions, attacks on their beliefs and customs, desecration of their sacred sites, imposition of alien educational systems and language, and the undermining of their way of governance. Their past history and present reality raise profound human rights issues for all peoples. With this in mind, background information useful for teaching about indigenous peoples in grades 7 to 12 is provided. The world is divided into seven regions and the indigenous peoples of those regions and the significant issues are discussed. Additional reading materials and audio/visual aids are suggested for each unit. Techniques for the classroom and independent projects are suggested. A discussion of the United Nations recognition of the special needs of indigenous peoples and of its work to further the interests of these peoples is included. An appendix relating to the design and execution of the project concludes the document. Numerous maps and charts are included. (JB)