Honoring Indigenous Leadership on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Honoring Indigenous Leadership on Indigenous Peoples' Day

By Alejandro Guerrero Vargas on October 11, 2024

Indigenous Peoples' Day is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities across the globe. Though this holiday is recognized in the United States, it is crucial to acknowledge the leadership of Indigenous populations worldwide. In their pursuit of justice, they are protecting their cultural heritage and sacred land while passing down stories and values to the next generation. Indigenous communities remain at the forefront of some of the most pressing issues of our time, including land loss, climate justice, and recognition of their inherent rights.

From the United States to the Pacific Islands, Indigenous peoples are pioneering innovative solutions, holding governments accountable and preserving their ancestral homes from the growing threats posed by environmental degradation and exploitative policies. Let us take a moment to recognize the work of four of our partners, Indigenous-led organizations making remarkable strides in defending their communities and protecting our planet.

The Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of South Texas (Esto'k Gna) has long defended their ancestral lands from the threat of border militarization and environmental exploitation. Located in the Rio Grande delta, the Tribe has successfully resisted the construction of liquefied natural gas export terminals and pipelines that would have devastated sacred sites and lands. During the 2023 Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) on plastic pollution in Paris, France, Chairman Juan Macias highlighted the struggles in Texas and the Gulf Coast, emphasizing that their sacrifices span over 500 years and urging the need to consult with those who maintain and live on these lands; otherwise, we risk promoting a form of cultural genocide. In partnership with UUSC, the Tribe has continued to host resistance camps and virtual tribunals amplifying Native voices and exposing the deep human rights violations brought on by militarization and environmental racism.

In the Pacific, the Fiji Women's Rights Movement works tirelessly to protect the cultural heritage of rural Indigenous communities on Koro Island. Through Climate Tok, the organization documents traditional environmental knowledge, gender roles, and practices at risk of being lost due to climate change. By identifying and working in partnership with climate champions from local communities, they are strengthening Indigenous-led responses to climate disasters. UUSC's partnership supports their effort to preserve these invaluable cultural practices, promote gender equity, and ensure that all voices are included in local and national climate adaptation policies.

The Tuvalu Climate Action Network (TuCAN) is dedicated to building a healthy and sustainable environment for future generations by addressing the urgent impacts of climate change. TuCAN engages communities, partners, stakeholders, and government officials to develop practical policy recommendations that support Tuvaluan communities facing climate-forced displacement. Through its partnership with UUSC, TuCAN is ensuring that directly impacted communities have the tools they need to adapt and thrive in the face of rising sea levels. Looking ahead, TuCAN will be supporting Tuvaluan women by introducing modern tools and training to reduce the physical strain of traditional handicraft-making, preserving their cultural heritage while promoting economic resilience and gender equality.

Lastly, the Jean Charles Choctaw Nation in Louisiana continues their fight for a just relocation process after being displaced from their ancestral land on Isle de Jean Charles due to climate change. The Nation has battled against extractive industries, environmental degradation, and a failed government relocation plan that ignored their cultural needs. Recently, leader Chief Deme Naquin and Secretary Chantel Comardelle participated in a panel at Columbia Law School, co-hosted by UUSC and EarthRights International, where they shared their experiences with climate displacement and emphasized the importance of cultural preservation in the face of these challenges. Despite these challenges, the Nation remains committed to preserving their culture and stewardship of their ancestral lands.

This Indigenous Peoples' Day, we celebrate the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of South Texas, the Fiji Women's Rights Movement, the Tuvalu Climate Action Network, and the Jean Charles Choctaw Nation for their unwavering commitment to keeping communities, culture, and the environment safe. As we honor these efforts, let us reflect on how we can support and uplift Indigenous communities in their fight for a more just and sustainable future for all.

Image credit: UUSC

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