Define: Ancestral

Ancestral refers to something that is inherited or passed down from one’s ancestors. In a legal context, ancestral rights or ancestral lands often refer to the rights or claims that indigenous or native communities have over certain territories or resources based on their historical occupation or use of the land. These rights are recognized and protected by various international and domestic laws, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and specific legislation in many countries. Ancestral rights may include the right to use and access the land, the right to participate in decision-making processes regarding the land, and the right to maintain and protect cultural and spiritual practices associated with the land. Disputes or conflicts related to ancestral rights can arise when there are competing claims or interests over the same territory, requiring legal mechanisms to resolve these issues and ensure the protection of indigenous communities’ rights.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.