Description

Focus: Climate change action for Indigenous peoples vs. climate change action from and with Indigenous peoples

Take some time to get familiar with a diversity of Indigenous perspectives on climate change and how various Indigenous peoples are acting in response to climate change:

• Speak to elders in your community and/or seek out Indigenous perspectives on climate change and the environment from Indigenous peoples in your home community. If you have trouble doing so, consider why: why is it difficult for you to learn from Indigenous peoples in your community?
• Read a summary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Pages 10-20 only): http://files.unicef.org/policyanalysis/rights/files/HRBAP_UN_Rights_Indig_Peoples.pdf
• Read one of the following “Declarations and Moratoriums” on climate change by Indigenous peoples: https://www.indigenousclimateaction.com/single-post/2017/02/03/Resources-Links-on-Indigenous-Rights-and-Climate-Change
• View/read two (2) of the following:
  • Xiuhtezcatl Martinez: Bioneers, Aztec (US), Indigenous informed youth climate activism and music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2V2yVkedtM
  • Indigenous women and climate change in Latin America: https://popularresistance.org/indigenous-women-lead-fight-against-climate-change-in-latin-america/
  • Eriel Deranger, “Reclaiming Our Indigeneity and Our Place in Modern Society” | Bioneers, Canada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI89FHqvrf0
  • World People´s Conference on Climate Change: https://vimeo.com/11247929
  • Northern voices on climate change: https://www.opencanada.org/features/why-arctic-voi... and http://www.cwhn.ca/node/39363

Consider overlapping and contrasting themes that arose in the various readings and videos, as well as the different actions Indigenous peoples are taking in response to climate change, and create a mind map that reflects these perspectives and actions.

• Looking at your mind map, discuss: how are these responses similar to or different from your original understanding of climate change and climate action? Did your learning create any new questions in your mind?

Task

Watch the following video: Indigenous People and Climate Change:

Create a blog posting using the ideas gathered from your community, as well as the videos and readings that address Indigenous peoples about climate change.

• How is this representation of climate change similar to the other things you’ve read/viewed? How is different?
• Where do you see the influence of Indigenous peoples in this video? Where is it missing?
• What solutions to climate change does this video propose?
• Do you agree with the representation of Indigenous peoples and climate change action in the video? Why or why not?

• What are the opportunities and challenges in taking seriously Indigenous perspectives of climate change? Consider factors that facilitate or hinder ethical responses to climate change, including social and economic inequities, political dynamics, marginalization, discrimination, state, military/police power, etc.

Once it is complete, please post your blog here.

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