I've always been interested in how Indigenous knowledge can help mitigate climate change. So why isn't the world listening?
I'd spoken with Eriel from Indigenous Climate Action (ICA) a few times before, but when I went to Canada last month to meet the women behind this incredible organisation, I really began to understand why Indigenous knowledge can help - because it's a completely different way of interacting with the planet, where nature is respected. This is an organisation supporting Indigenous communities right across Canada. Our visit took us from the Tiny House Warriors, who are building 10 tiny houses to stand up against the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion, to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, four hours away from the Tiny House Warriors and yet fighting the same pipeline. I saw only a snippet of what Indigenous communities in Canada (or at least, what is now called Canada) are facing. I saw the most beautiful landscapes I could ever have imagined, as I stood on the edges of frozen lakes, and gripped the steering wheel as I drove up through snowy mountains with avalanche warnings every few hundred yards. But I also saw destruction that made my heart ache - huge oil refineries belching smoke into the air, and a pipeline terminal where a protest camp had formed outside. But mostly, I was incredibly inspired by the women I met. Eriel, who is leading this organisation. Kanahus, who is keeping Indigenous knowledge alive whilst mounting a Tiny House protest, and while her husband is in prison. Ta'ah, an Elder who has been through so much pain herself, and has so much wisdom, and who blessed us when we reached the end of our stay. You can read my full article here, read my field notes piece about the Tiny House Warriors here, or watch the Soapbox film Indigenous Climate Action (I ran the interviews, while it was filmed, edited, and produced by my wonderful colleagues).
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16/7/2020 08:08:27 am
This is an association supporting Indigenous people group directly across Canada. Our visit took us from the Tiny House Warriors, who are building 10 minimalistic homes to face the Kinder Morgan pipeline extension, to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, four hours from the Tiny House Warriors but then battling a similar pipeline.
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4/3/2021 12:02:39 pm
This is really great and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this mind-blowing information with us. Please keep us informed like this.
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