Indigenous Rights in Climate Justice

Efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss in the Amazon and beyond increasingly recognize the crucial role Indigenous peoples play. Their territories experience significantly lower deforestation rates compared to non-Indigenous areas, often outperforming even protected zones. However, despite the clear benefits of involving Indigenous communities in environmental protection, their participation in decision-making processes remains limited, often tokenistic. Emil Sirén Gualinga recently published a briefing (https://lnkd.in/gV6T2pU5) that outlines the path from symbolic gestures to full and effective inclusion of Indigenous peoples in biodiversity policy, particularly under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The framework, adopted in 2022, aims to stop biodiversity loss by 2030, emphasizing the need for all stakeholders—including Indigenous groups—to be involved in planning and execution. Indigenous rights, such as those detailed in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), affirm their entitlement to participation and free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). However, there are challenges: 🤝 Complex decision-making processes: Indigenous governance structures are varied, ranging from local to national institutions. External actors must engage appropriately with these diverse entities, respecting the decision-making bodies’ mandates and avoiding the exclusion of key representatives. 🌳 Indigenous priorities overlooked: Often, projects intended to benefit Indigenous communities are designed without their input. This can lead to conflicts with their "Life Plans"—locally developed frameworks outlining social, cultural, and territorial priorities. 🚧 Barriers to inclusion: Women and youth, though integral to many Indigenous decision-making systems, are frequently left out of formal processes. Addressing this requires logistical support, such as overcoming language and technological barriers. 💲 Underfunding: Efforts to involve Indigenous communities meaningfully are further hampered by underfunding. Less than 1% of biodiversity and climate financing reaches Indigenous peoples, and when it does, it rarely involves them in decision-making. The note emphasizes that all actors—governments, NGOs, and the private sector—should shift from seeing Indigenous communities as stakeholders to recognizing them as rights holders. Their participation is not merely a formal requirement but essential for achieving biodiversity conservation goals. In short, meaningful, informed, and inclusive Indigenous participation is vital to the success of global biodiversity efforts, requiring more than token representation, aruges Gualinga. 👉 From Tokenism to Full and Effective Participation of Indigenous Peoples in Decision-Making to Halt and Reverse Biodiversity Loss (PDF): https://mongabay.cc/4UkbBj 📹 Javier Gualinga of the Sani Isla Kichwa community, Ecuador

As we move through difficult cultural transitions and rethink our governance systems, it will be critical that we listen to voices that are rooted beyond the conventional Western thinking that has come to dominate our society. As such, it is always an honor when Indigenous leaders share their experiences and wisdom with the broader public. This week, Casey Camp-Horinek of the Ponca Nation joins Nate to recount her decades of work in Indigenous and environmental activism. Her stories shed light on the often-overlooked struggles and tragedies faced by Indigenous communities in their efforts to restore and safeguard their homelands. Casey also shares her current work advocating for The Rights of Nature - which legalizes the same rights of personhood to Earth’s ecosystems - of which the Ponca Nation was the first tribe in the US to implement. Watch: https://lnkd.in/dsU2Etjt How is the treatment of Indigenous people under the United States government reflective of the exploitative relationship between industrial systems and the Earth? What is ‘Post-Traumatic Growth’ and how could it assist in healing the deeper cultural wounds obstructing genuine dialogue and change? Could aligning our current laws with the laws of nature - followed by every other species - result in a more sustainable, interconnected, and thriving humanity? Casey Camp-Horinek, Councilwoman and Hereditary Drumkeeper of the Women’s Scalp Dance Society of the Ponca Nation of Oklahoma, is a longtime activist, environmentalist, actress, and published author. First taking up the cause of Native and Human Rights in the early ’70s, it has been in the last 15 years that she began her plea for Environmental Justice for her Ponca people and people around the globe. Casey has identified and diligently worked to remediate the corridor of toxic industry surrounding the historic lands of the Ponca people. Because of Casey’s work, the Ponca Nation is the first Tribe in the State of Oklahoma to adopt the Rights of Nature Statute, and to pass a moratorium on fracking on Tribal Lands. Casey was also instrumental in the drafting and adoption of the first ever International Indigenous Women’s Treaty protecting the Rights of Nature. Casey is a board member for Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network, Movement Rights, as well as Earthworks. Casey Camp-Horinek has also been a film actor since 1988, starring in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Winter in the Blood, Barking Water and Goodnight Irene.

💡 The IPLC Carbon Advisory Fund - A policy proposal to ensure IPLC don't continue to get the short end of the carbon markets stick I enjoyed sharing a panel this week with three First Nations leaders from Canada to discuss the intersection of #Indigenous Values and the #CarbonMarket. As we approach #COP28, we're finally seeing the broader climate and nature community give indigenous peoples and local communities the attention they deserve. One main #problem and a potential #solution that we discussed focused on ensuring #IPLC are able to make informed decisions. 🔴 Problem: Chief Lori Whitecalf highlighted the challenge that even in Canada where their generation now speaks the same language as developers/investors, tribes often don't have the technical expertise or understanding of the markets to assess whether they are getting a fair deal or not. This problem is exacerbated even more in the global south where most IPLC don't speak the language, don't have access to lawyers, lack the technical knowledge and often lack financial literacy as well. The issue is that when this information is provided to IPLC in the carbon development process, it is often done by the project developer which may not act on the best interest of IPLC in the information they share and how they choose to share it. ✅ Solution: Each standards body such as Verra Gold Standard Plan Vivo Foundation Climate Action Reserve ACR at Winrock International and Article 6.4SB create a fund that is dedicated to providing 3rd party unbiased legal, financial and technical advisory to IPLC during the project development process. 💵 Who will pay? Standards will increase the fee that project proponents have to pay to certify a project which will go towards the fund. Essentially, investors and project developers will pay for the 3rd party advisory, but with the standard selecting/approving the entities that will provide it to avoid a conflict of interest. This is somewhat similar to the Kawari Fund by Re:wild but funded by project developers and investors instead of philanthropy. What do you think? Would this work in practice? Here is the link to a substack article discussing the idea if anyone would like to share with others that might want to get behind this idea: https://lnkd.in/eW_xpsTr 🔗 to webinar in comments (it was pre-recorded but will be released next week) Thanks for ONE TRIBE for bringing us together!

"Mining companies must adopt clear and comprehensive FPIC policies, recognizing Indigenous peoples’ rights to make decisions about their lands and livelihoods with no ambiguity, caveats, or provisos. As companies look to incorporate ICMM’s guidance into their own standards, and as governments look to strengthen regulation in this booming sector, they must publicly acknowledge and accept a community’s right to say “no” to mining projects. Mining sector standards that fully embrace Indigenous peoples’ right to FPIC will help to build trust with Indigenous communities, reduce the risk of social conflict, and create a positive precedent to ensure a more just global energy system." https://lnkd.in/dq5WPwvP

By approving the Goldendale Pump Storage Hydroelectric Energy Development project, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is advancing the destruction of sacred sites, traditional plant foods and medicines, wildlife habitat, and water sources of the sagebrush steppe which are all reflections of irreplaceable Inland Northwest Indigenous culture and sovereignty since time immemorial. I stand with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI), seventeen Tribal Nations, and multiple environmental NGOs to oppose the FERC decision's climate and green colonialism of sacrificing Indigenous rights, sovereignty, and ecological heritage. "Excavation and construction of underground infrastructure would obliterate Tribal Cultural Properties and cultural resources of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), Nez Perce, and Warm Springs [...]. 'A clean and just energy future must prioritize the inherent and treaty rights of Tribal Nations and impacts on energy siting, or we risk repeating the harms of the past -- that is not the way to address the climate crisis [...]. In order to ensure a truly just transition to clean energy and a healthy climate for all, we must transform our social systems and structures from an exploitative economy to a regenerative society built on sustainability and respect for the original stewards of this land [...]. The inadequate consultation done by FERC is misaligned with our vision for a just, equitable, and sustainable world.'" #ClimateJustice #EnvironmentalRacism #ClimateColonialism #GreenColonialism #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #TribalSovereignty #TribalConsultation #FERC #IndigenousRights #FoodSovereignty #FirstFoods #CulturalResources #EnvironmentalHeritage #CulturalEcology #ProtectTheSacred https://lnkd.in/dq3KmxEF

The Hidden Impact of Climate Change on Indigenous Sensory Practices: A Global Perspective As climate change continues to reshape our planet, its effects reach far beyond the obvious environmental disruptions. One area often overlooked is the profound impact on the sensory regulation practices of Indigenous peoples. These communities have long maintained a deep, sensory relationship with their surroundings, shaping their cultural, spiritual, and survival practices. In a recent report, our team (Yinka Ogunlana, Zaki Faisal, Purushottam Subedi ) has begun comparing how climate change disrupts these essential sensory connections for Indigenous communities in both Australia and Nigeria. In Australia, Indigenous communities are witnessing: Water scarcity: The sounds and rhythms of watercourses have changed, challenging traditional water management and hunting practices. Shifting animal migrations: Altered migration patterns disrupt the availability of food sources and the sensory cues tied to hunting ceremonies. Despite these challenges, Indigenous Australians are using their traditional ecological knowledge to monitor and adapt, reinterpreting their sensory interactions with the environment. In Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta, climate change brings: Saltwater intrusion and flooding: Freshwater ecosystems have been destroyed, changing the sensory experience of water – from its taste to its smell – and disrupting fishing and agriculture. Soil erosion: Altering agricultural cycles, which affects the rhythms of seasonal land use and sensory practices. Nigerian communities are responding with community-based adaptation strategies, blending traditional knowledge with modern science to address these challenges. Key Takeaways: Climate change has disrupted the sensory practices that Indigenous communities rely on for cultural and spiritual activities. Adaptation is happening at the community level, where traditional knowledge and modern science intersect. Understanding and integrating these perspectives into climate change research and policy is crucial to preserving not just the environment, but the cultural identities of these communities. This research reminds us that climate change is not just about rising temperatures, but about how we all experience and interact with the world around us. What are some experiences you have had with the connections between sensory regulation and nature? 🌳 #ClimateChange #IndigenousRights #CulturalPreservation #Sustainability #EnvironmentalImpact #CommunityAdaptation Neurodiversity Foundation Reframing Autism Autism Africa GPM (Green Project Management®) Change Management Institute

How can data support the #LandBack movement? 1. The use of data to record historical land theft can potentially lead to successful advocacy for the restitution and reparations of stolen Indigenous lands, aiding in legal challenges and treaty negotiations. 2. The implementation of data-driven approaches could significantly improve the management and protection of lands, preserving traditional knowledge and promoting sustainable practices. 3. Support for Indigenous-led conservation initiatives through data use could enhance Indigenous rights and biodiversity, contributing to ecosystem monitoring and sustainable planning. 4. Data-driven programs have the potential to reconnect Indigenous youth with their heritage, fostering a sense of cultural pride and facilitating the transfer of knowledge. 5. Utilizing data analytics could pave the way for unique economic strategies for Indigenous communities, creating employment opportunities and reinforcing sovereignty over ancestral lands. Join us as we continue to work towards realizing the vision of Indigenous land sovereignty and self-determination. #IndigenousRights #DataSovereignty #Decolonization

🚨 The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a direct threat to Tribal communities — and to their clean energy futures. Professor Robert Reich breaks it down: this Trump-backed legislation gives massive tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy while slashing essential programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and climate investment. According to the Congressional Budget Office, it would ‼️ increase after-tax incomes for the top 0.1% — while cutting the incomes of the poorest 10% by nearly 4% ‼️ Also, 🔻 Less funding for Tribal clean energy projects (DOE, EPA, USDA programs) 🔻 Rollbacks on historic IRA investments in Tribal energy sovereignty 🔻 Increased hardship for Native families already facing energy burden 🔻 Fewer resources for Tribal governments advancing microgrids, solar, storage, and electrification 🔻 A return to fossil fuel favoritism and the extractive and exploitive activities that have harmed Tribes for two centuries. We’ve seen this before. Trickledown economics didn’t work under Reagan, Bush, or the first Trump administration, and it won’t work now. This bill would deepen inequality, sacrifice Tribal climate resilience, and derail community-driven clean energy transitions across Indian Country. Tribes are leading the way toward a regenerative future. This bill undermines that future to benefit billionaires. 😡 ✊🏽 Stand up. Speak out. 📞 Call your Senators. 📢 Share this post. #TribalSovereignty #CleanEnergyJustice #EconomicJustice #StopTheBigUglyBill #IndigenousRights #ClimateResilience #RobertReich #EnergySovereignty #JustTransition #TribalCleanEnergy #StopTheBigUglyBill #TribalJustice #EconomicJustice #ProtectMedicaid #FoodIsMedicine #TaxTheRich #IndigenousRights #TribalSovereignty

I'm excited to share our latest article in the journal Climatic Change titled "Toward a Climate Justice Approach for the Amazon: Reimagining REDD+ for Indigenous-Led Solutions." The Amazon rainforest is at a tipping point—continued deforestation could lead to irreversible ecosystem collapse and major climate impacts globally. After 15 years, the REDD+ model has failed to deliver on its promises and has even caused harm to Indigenous communities, who are the Amazon’s best stewards. In this article, we argue that a climate justice approach is essential. By centering Indigenous leadership and territorial defense, we outline 12 principles for a more just and effective pathway for forest conservation that addresses the root causes of deforestation and prioritizes equity. This work is a call to reimagine forest conservation and climate finance to empower Indigenous-led solutions that can truly drive the change we need. Check out the full article for more insights: Open Access Link below... https://lnkd.in/eDM_xfUA #ClimateJustice #IndigenousRights #Amazon #REDD+ #ForestConservation #ClimateAction