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The notion of “autochthonous peoples” appears with use to have become more “global” than local as a category. It takes on meaning and acquires recognition as a reference in international bodies and forums where it has been introduced and it is continually being redefined. The term as a category arose out of United Nations concerns for the defence of minority peoples’ rights. It is strongly gaining significance in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The involvement of autochthonous peoples and their “traditional” knowledge and know-how for biodiversity management is now a core element of the UN’s work. The article first examines the context in which this approach emerged in relation to biodiversity. Next are tackled the shifts in meaning caused by transmission from one international arena to another. This fluctuation in terminology links to the contexts of usage and instrumentalization of the concept which contributes to the construction of a category whose operability is more important than its substance. The paper concludes with a comparison of the use of this category with that of ethnic group which, in the colonial context of Africa, had in a significantly similar manner helped to guide thinking on a social and political order.