2026   The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) in collaboration with Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is delighted to extend an invitation to university students across Denmark for the compelling summer course titled “Indigenous Peoples Rights – What You Have to Know.” This initiative presents an invaluable opportunity to delve into the multifaceted realm of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, knowledge, and their pivotal roles in diverse fields.

This course is distinctively delivered by a panel of esteemed educators of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous backgrounds, hailing from continents including Asia, Africa, Latin America, North America, and Europe, providing a rich, global perspective on the subject.

Please note that we are only able to offer this course to students, of any nationality, who attend a Danish university. At the same time we do not provide scholarships for travel or accommodation related to participation in the summer school. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Key Details of the Summer Course:

- Dates: August 24th – 28th, 2026

- Venue: Copenhagen Business School, Dalgas Have 15, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark

- Capacity: Limited to 35 participants (participation is physical)

Course Curriculum:

•         International Law: Legal frameworks governing Indigenous Peoples’ rights
• Climate and Conservation: Intersections between environmental governance and Indigenous territories
• Land Rights: Territorial claims, conflicts, and governance
• Indigenous Peoples’ Movements: Global and local advocacy processes
• Business and Human Rights: Corporate responsibility and Indigenous rights
• Indigenous Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship as a socio-cultural and economic practice through which Indigenous communities sustain livelihoods, assert autonomy, and negotiate development pathways in relation to their knowledge systems and territorial contexts
• Intellectual Property Rights: Protection of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions

Application Process:

We invite interested students to submit a two-page motivation letter. This letter should succinctly but comprehensively cover the following elements:

1. Personal Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, including your academic background and current studies.

2. Interest in Indigenous Peoples’ Rights: Explain your interest in the course and in Indigenous Peoples' rights. Include any relevant experiences or studies that have influenced this interest.

3. Objectives and Expectations: Describe what you hope to gain from the course and how it aligns with your academic or career goals.

4. Contribution to the Course: Highlight what unique perspectives or experiences you can bring to the course.

5. Future Aspirations: Discuss how you plan to utilize the knowledge and experience gained from this course in your future endeavors.

Please send your motivation letters to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than midnight, Monday, 11 May, 2026.

We encourage students with a keen interest in Indigenous rights and intercultural engagements to apply for this enriching academic pursuit. Your participation promises not just academic enrichment but a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of Indigenous issues on a global scale.