Protecting Indigenous Knowledge and Heritage: A Global Challenge is an important discussion of the fate of Indigenous peoples at the hands of colonizing powers. The authors paint a passionate picture of the devastation of the assault of modern society on Indigenous society, the commercialization of their Indigenous language, culture, art, knowledge, including their use of plant knowledge. Their losses to commercial enterprise have been without their consent, and the knowledge taken without acknowledgement or benefit to them. This book illustrates why current legal regimes are inadequate to protect Indigenous knowledge and puts forward ideas for reform. It also examines issues from an international perspective and explores developments in various countries including Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. It examines the work of the United Nations and relevant national and international agreements to Indigenous knowledge and offers protective solutions for Indigenous peoples, and guidance for those seeking to understand and explore Indigenous knowledge further.