Embed Indigenous wisdom

Support Indigenous-led conservation and climate justice movements

Indigenous-led conservation is the most effective and equitable way to safeguard habitat, reverse wildlife loss and reduce climate change.

Indigenous Peoples’ right to land and natural resources is inextricably linked to climate justice and needs to be protected, respected and promoted. Furthermore, Indigenous-led conservation is the most effective and equitable way to safeguard habitat, reverse wildlife loss and reduce climate change — unsurprising, given First Nations communities have been caring for and stewarding their land and water courses for millennia and continue to protect and nurture these places through cultural, sustainable and regenerative practices.

It’s critical that we learn from, and support, First Nations communities and learn from the knowledge systems that are crucial for developing climate solutions and achieving climate justice.

Here are some ways you can support Indigenous-led organisations and get involved. Another great place to start is by seeking out avenues to learn from and support communities and community leaders in your own local area.

International

Survival International

Survival International was founded in 1969 and fights for tribal peoples’ survival. They stop extractive industries from destroying tribal lands, lives and livelihoods across the globe. They also lobby governments to recognise Indigenous land rights and document and expose the atrocities committed against tribal people, as well as taking direct action to stop them.

Amazon Frontlines

Amazon Frontlines is an international team of human rights lawyers, environmental activists, forestry specialists, environmental health scientists, filmmakers, journalists, anthropologists, and farmers living in the Amazon rainforest and committed to the fight for indigenous autonomy and rainforest protection. The organisation was born out of the Clear Water project which sought to provide infrastructure for clean water to indigenous tribes living in the Amazon so they could continue their way of life. This ethos of supporting and giving agency to indigenous tribes to defend their rights to land, life, and cultural survival in the Amazon Rainforest continues in Amazon Frontlines.

Australia

Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network (SEED)

Seed is Australia’s first Indigenous youth climate network. Their vision is for a just and sustainable future with strong cultures and communities, powered by renewable energy.

Our Islands Our Home

Our Islands Our Home is a campaign led by Torres Strait Islanders to protect their island homes. They are building community support urging the Albanese Government to protect their island homes from climate damage. Your donation will resource Torres Strait Islanders to share stories, speak to media, build relationships, engage politicians and run creative actions.

Firesticks Alliance

Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation is an Indigenous led network and aims to re-invigorate the use of cultural burning by facilitating cultural learning pathways to fire and land management. It is an initiative for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to look after Country, share their experiences and collectively explore ways to achieve their goals. The ultimate goal of Firesticks is to support cultural learning pathways that enable and empower Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities to work collectively towards resilient landscapes.

Country Needs People

Country Needs People is a growing group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that are calling on decision-makers to support Indigenous ranger programs and Indigenous Protected Areas.

  • Join the call - send a message directly to your local candidates to grow and secure funding for Indigenous rangers and Indigenous protected areas.
  • Share your voice - add your own individual message of support.

United States

United States

Real Rent Duwamish

Real Rent calls on people who live and work in Seattle to make rent payments to the Duwamish Tribe. Seattle was named after a Duwamish leader but the tribe itself has yet to be compensated for the loss of their land, resources, and livelihood.

Landback

Landback is a movement with a long legacy of organising to get Indigenous Lands back into Indigenous hands in the United States. Currently, there are Landback battles being fought across the country, to the north and the South.

Native Organizers Alliance

Through advocacy, capacity building, and campaign support, Native Organizers Alliance amplifies the power of tribes, organisations, and grassroots movements to drive policy change in Indian Country. Native Organizers Alliance builds power through skills building and effective organising for Indigenous people. Through our advocacy, capacity building, and campaign support, we’ve made transformational changes in mainstream leadership and policy. Through grassroots movements rooted in traditional Indigenous values, we can better protect the environment, promote equitable outcomes, and improve the quality of life in Indigenous communities.

Canada

Indigenous Leadership Initiative

The Indigenous Leadership Initiative supports Indigenous Nations in honouring their responsibility to care for lands and waters. The Indigenous Leadership Initiative partners with Indigenous Nations in the creation of IPCAs. They have helped support Nations’ land use plans and negotiations with Crown governments.

Indigenous Climate Action (ICA)

ICA is an Indigenous-led organisation guided by a diverse group of Indigenous knowledge keepers, water protectors and land defenders from communities and regions across Canada. They believe that Indigenous Peoples’ rights and knowledge systems are critical to developing solutions to the climate crisis and achieving climate justice.

ICA models their work and organisational structure on systems of free, prior and informed consent and self-determination. By providing communities with knowledge and resources, they are inspiring a new generation of Indigenous climate leaders building solutions centred around Indigenous inherent rights and cultures.

Advocating for more Indigenous protected areas is part of a larger collective response. Learn more and find other actions about embedding indigenous wisdom.

Know of any other groups or resources? Share your ideas.