This article was published as part of a collective work focused on the concept of " autochtonie " providing analyses on the "genealogies of the concept," "Indigenous Peoples and the State" and "indigenous self-representations ", through a confrontation of views from France and Quebec. This article looks at three aspects of the affirmation of " autochtonie " at the international level. Firstly by analysing terminological changes, particularly the expression " peuples autochtones ", marking the recognition of indigenous peoples as political actors. The article then discusses the legal dimension-Which set of human rights are being claimed here? - Considering the issue through three concepts: the right to self-determination, the link between identity and collective ownership of land and thirdly the connection between individual human rights and collective human rights. Finally it examines the institutional procedures and international mechanisms that could lead to changes in the political status of indigenous peoples.