Nawken people, often referred to as Scottish Gypsy/Travellers and historically as 'tinklers' or 'cairds' - have a long established history in Scotland. Official documentation places the community in Scotland at least as far back as the 12th century; with oral accounts indicating the community may be of pre-celtic origin. Nawken have experienced discrimination, state-sanctioned segregation and exclusion on a mass scale over centuries. In more recent times they continue to face mass inequalities, despite having been recognised as an Ethnic minority in 2008. 

We call on the Scottish Government to formally recognise Nawken (legally acknowledged as Scottish Gypsy/Travellers) as an Indigenous people. This action in recognition that existing ethnic minority protections do not adequately protect Nawken methods of identity creation; relationships with sacred places; and the continuation of intangible heritage (specifically related to Nawken language and oral histories). 

This action would allow Nawken access to more enhanced rights-based practices and most importantly international frameworks such as the UN Declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples. Recognition would visibly show the Scottish Government's commitment to the protection of Nawken culture, ensuring that Nawken people can be better empowered to be the leaders of the preservation and platforming of their culture as an Indigenous people of Scotland. 

To Nawken our Indigeneity has never been in question, but we need to formalise our status to protect our culture and traditions for generations of Nawken to come.