Indigenous peoples in North America were recognized by the world community as independent nations after WWII.
This recognition came in part due to the efforts of indigenous activists who fought for their rights and autonomy. In the post-WWII era, many countries, including the United States and Canada, began to acknowledge the sovereignty of indigenous nations and support their self-determination efforts.
One significant development in this period was the establishment of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2007, which affirmed the rights of indigenous peoples to self-determination, land, and resources. This declaration has since been adopted by numerous countries around the world, further solidifying the recognition of indigenous peoples as distinct nations with the right to govern themselves.
While there is still work to be done in terms of ensuring the full implementation of these rights and addressing ongoing issues such as land dispossession and systemic discrimination, the recognition of indigenous nations as independent entities represents a significant step forward in the struggle for indigenous rights and autonomy.