Colombia Launches First Indigenous Education System in the Americas

The Colombian government issued three regulatory decrees that enable the implementation of the Indigenous Education System (SEIP), recognized by Decree Law 0481 of 2025 as a state public policy. The measures complete a two‑decade consultation process between the national government and indigenous communities, involving the National Commission for Indigenous Education (CONTCEPI) and the Permanent Concertation Table.

SEIP grants the 115 indigenous peoples of Colombia the right to deliver education in their own languages, cultural traditions, spiritual practices and governance structures, while coordinating with the national education system. With these decrees, Colombia becomes the first country in the Americas to adopt a formally recognized Indigenous education system, marking a historic step for cultural preservation and indigenous autonomy.