Modernization is a challenge for smaller indigenous peoples engaged in traditional ways of livelihood. Many of them had lost their languages and essentially cultural traditions by the second half of the 20th century. Within the last forty years, however, there have been witnessed revitalization movements and the reverse process of reappropriating the cultural heritage, which carried with it new relationships between the indigenous peoples and the local authorities. The article discusses various issues faced presently by the indigenous peoples, and examines solutions that are offered by different countries in this respect.