Climate Change & the Environment

Graeme Reed (Anishinaabe), notes that while Indigenous Peoples' participation in climate discussions is increasing, further development of their diplomatic and advocacy skills is required to ensure their voices are heard and their knowledge is valued in global climate decision-making.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Graeme Reed (Anishinaabe)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.

Eileen Mairena Cunningham of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change urges that the final document of COP28 should explicitly mention Indigenous Peoples. This is because they have made invaluable contributions towards climate solutions and are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Acknowledging their contributions and vulnerabilities is crucial for ensuring that they can participate meaningfully in the global response to climate change. It will also help in fostering a just and inclusive approach towards tackling climate change.

Governments and States must prioritize the needs of Indigenous peoples. It's crucial to recognize their existence and rights and put Indigenous youth at the center of all efforts. Investing in Indigenous youth is an effective way to build a more equitable and just future for everyone.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Chandra Tripura (Tripura)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.

Tishiko King (Kulkalaig), a member of the First Nations group, has emphasized the urgent need for Australia to invest in measures aimed at adapting to climate change. It is also important to ensure that all communities have access to renewable energy. This is essential to safeguard our country and its people, and to prioritize the role of Indigenous peoples in finding solutions to the climate crisis.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Tishiko King (Kulkalaig)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.

Pratima Gurung, is the Secretary General of the Indigenous Person with Disabilities Global Network (IPWDGN) and National Indigenous Disabled Women Association Nepal (NIDWAN). She believes that indigenous people with disabilities are affected disproportionately by climate change, but their voices are not being heard in the important negotiations that will shape our future. She thinks that there should be a formal recognition of their issues and dedicated constituencies within these discussions.

According to Francisco Cali Tzay, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, it is imperative that the government recognizes and upholds the rights of Indigenous Peoples. This includes their right to self-determination, which allows them to decide whether or not mining extraction should take place on their land. Therefore, the government must engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Indigenous Peoples to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Francisco Cali Tzay (Maya Kaqchikel)

Rodion Sulyandziga (Odege) from Russia believes that Indigenous Peoples should combine optimism with strategic action to advance their agendas despite facing challenges. To achieve this, he suggests mobilizing all available partners and resources and pushing for meaningful change collaboratively.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Rodion Sulyandziga (Odege)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.

Tarcila Rivera Zea is an Indigenous Peoples rights activist from Peru who believes that the promise made by the COP 28 presidency to prioritize Indigenous Peoples lacks concrete substance until it is formally documented. She states that they have heard promises of respecting their rights before but haven't seen any meaningful action follow. According to her, words alone are not enough, and they need tangible commitments embedded in the official text to hold the presidency accountable.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Tarcila Rivera Zea(Quechua)

Jessica Vega Ortega, a young Indigenous woman from the Mixtec Indigenous Peoples of Mexico, is attending COP28 with the hope of observing the government's efforts towards implementing changes that directly impact Indigenous communities at the grassroots level. She believes that prioritizing Indigenous youth within these programs is crucial, as it ensures their voices and perspectives are heard and taken into account, ultimately shaping sustainable solutions for their future.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Jessica Vega Ortega (Mixtec)

Minnie Degawan is an Indigenous Kankanaey-Igorot from the Cordillera region in the Philippines. She believes that Indigenous women play a crucial role in the fight to preserve our planet. They act as protectors of biodiversity and are responsible for safeguarding endangered species and ecosystems. Furthermore, they are the driving force behind climate solutions, using their innovative approaches to reduce emissions and build resilience. Due to their leadership and dedication, they are instrumental in shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.