We Are the Voice of Nature

Dear Cultural Survival community,

Today the world is facing multiple crises. Human activity is changing the world’s climate in extraordinary and sometimes irreversible ways, causing biodiversity loss that is unprecedented in human history. We hear Elders in our communities talk about how our ecosystems were so different just a few generations ago. The world they describe seems so far from the world we know today. This issue of the CSQ is dedicated to uplifting the voices of Indigenous leaders who have been working diligently to defend the rights of nature and the rights of Indigenous Peoples, demanding urgent action for biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation and adaptation— sometimes at great risk to their own lives.

Biodiversity loss and climate change emergencies are closely interlinked; in fact, climate change is now one of the main causes of biodiversity loss. Scientists have identified that the burning of fossil fuels, unsustainable diets, urbanization, changes in land use, and overexploitation of species are to blame for these crises. Yet, governments around the world continue to fail to take action at devising and implementing real policy reforms that would help the planet survive. Instead, they continue to assure us that markets will solve the very problems they have created.

Indigenous Peoples continue to hold sustainable relationships with our Mother Earth and have so much to offer to solve these crises. The brilliance of Indigenous solutions comes from the direct relationships we have held with nature for millennia. Yet, Indigenous Peoples continue to be denied a seat at the table. As Elder Vyacheslav Shadrin (Yukagir) said last December in Montreal, “the voices of Indigenous Peoples are the voice of nature.” If we are to solve these crises, we must listen to the voice of Indigenous Peoples.

The world needs to move away from anthropocentric solutions. Government leaders are focused on the viability of the human species. But what about the fourlegged, the winged, and those who roam the oceans? Who will advocate for them? Who is willing to stand in the way of total destruction of their ecosystems, their homes?

In spite of all the challenges, Indigenous Peoples of the world continue to use their Traditional Knowledge to heal the land and to make innovations for biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation. Indigenous Peoples understand that we must protect our Mother Earth. Everything from our food, medicines, and clothing to our cultures and languages, our stories, and even our joy, depends on this relationship, and we will do everything in our power to protect her.

Global conventions and agreements will not solve the challenges the world faces on its own. However, they do provide a platform to shift the consciousness of mainstream society and are an opportunity to show policymakers how Indigenousled solutions are working on the ground. Cultural Survival’s delegation to COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and to CBD COP15 in Montreal, Canada, witnessed the diligent work of Indigenous leaders at these global platforms. We express our gratitude to them and to the global Indigenous movement. We are committed to this fight, however long it takes.

Our work relies on your financial support. Please renew your commitment to supporting Indigenous Peoples’ rights so we can ensure they are fully respected, protected, and fulfilled. Thank you for your solidarity and support.

With gratitude,

Galina Angarova (Buryat) Executive Director

Cultural Survival Staff

Galina Angarova (Buryat), Executive Director

Mark Camp, Deputy Executive Director

Avexnim Cojtí (Maya K’iche’), Director of Programs

Verónica Aguilar (Mixtec), Program Assistant, Keepers of the Earth Fund

Michael J. Beeler, Individual Donor Manager

Bryan Bixcul (Maya Tz’utujil), Executive Coordinator

Cliver Ccahuanihancco Arque (Quechua), Keepers of the Earth Program Assistant

Miguel Cuc Bixcul (Maya Kaqchikel), Accounting Associate

Jess Cherofsky, Interim Advocacy Program Manager

Michelle de León, Executive Assistant

Roberto De La Cruz Martínez (Binnizá), Information Technology Associate

Danielle DeLuca, Senior Development Manager

Shaldon Ferris (Khoisan), Indigenous Radio Program Coordinator

Sofia Flynn, Accounting & Office Manager

Nati Garcia (Maya Mam), Capacity Building Manager

Adriana Hernández (Maya K'iche'), Emerging Strategies Coordinator

Natalia Jones, Advocacy Associate

Mariana Kiimi (Na Ñuu Sàvi/Mixtec), Advocacy Assistant

Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Koĩts-Sunuwar), Community Media Program Coordinator

Rosy Sul González (Kaqchikel), Indigenous Rights Radio Program Manager

Bia’ni Madsa’ Juárez López, (Mixe/Ayuuk ja’ay & Zapotec/Binnizá), Keepers of the Earth Fund Program Manager

Marco Lara, Social and Digital Media Coordinator

Kevin Alexander Larrea, Information Technology Associate

Carlos Madrigal (Mazahua/Jñatjo), Capacity Building Program Assistant

Jamie Malcolm-Brown, Communications & Information Technology Manager

Amparo Monzón (Maya K’iche’), Program Assistant, Community Media & Indigenous Rights Radio Programs

Cesar Gomez Moscut (Pocomam), Community Media Program Coordinator

Edson Krenak Naknanuk (Krenak), Lead on Brazil

Diana Pastor (Maya K’iche’), Media Coordinator

Guadalupe Pastrana (Nahua), Indigenous Rights Radio Producer

Agnes Portalewska, Senior Communications Manager

Sócrates Vásquez (Ayuujk), Program Manager, Community Media

Miranda Vitello, Development Coordinator

Candy Williams, Human Resources Manager

Raquel Xiloj (Maya K’iche’), Community Media Grants Coordinator

Pablo Xol (Maya Qʼeqchiʼ), Design and Marketing Associate

Interns

Katrina Arriola, Camilla Lindschouw, Yolis López Martínez, Charlie Malcolm-McKay, Alma Xochitl Zamora

Tanzania | Murder Charges Dismissed Against 24 Maasai Land Defenders

(NOVEMBER)

Murder charges have been dropped against 24 Maasai accused of killing a police officer during an eviction campaign. The Tanzanian government continues to push for the creation of a protected wildlife reserve in Loliondo, the ancestral home of the Maasai peoples, which could result in the forced removal of up to 150,000 Maasai people in Loliondo and Ngorongoro areas.

U.S. | Native American Candidates Gain Ground

(NOVEMBER)

On November 8, more than 85 Indigenous candidates were elected to political offices in 22 states, increasing the presence of Indigenous people in federal, state, and local governments.

Indonesia | Ancestral Forests of Indigenous Papuans Recognized

(DECEMBER)

The government of Indonesia has transferred control of state forests to seven Indigenous groups in Papua’s eastern area. The region has been threatened by an increase in logging, mining, and plantation development. No permits for any type of commercial activity will be granted in the Indigenous territory.

U.S. | New Law Prohibits Export of Sacred Native Items

(DECEMBER)

On December 21, the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act was signed into law by President Biden, imposing harsher penalties, forbidding the export of sacred Native American artifacts from the U.S., and establishing a certification procedure to separate sacred from artistic objects.

Canada | Sukunka Coal Mine Rejected in British Columbia

(DECEMBER)

A Sukunka, B.C. coal mine project will not receive an environmental assessment certificate due to its substantial negative environmental and social implications. Located in the heart of Treaty 8 First Nations territory, the Sukunka project could have pushed the endangered caribou herd to extinction.

U.S. | Congress Approves Native American Language Resource Center Act

(DECEMBER)

The Native American Language Resource Center Act was approved by Congress on December 22. The bipartisan legislation will strengthen Native American language programs and schools by supporting students at all stages of learning and providing additional resources for remote learning.

U.S. | $1.7 Trillion Spending Bill Aims to Support Native Communities

(DECEMBER)

On December 22, the Senate passed President Biden’s $1.7 trillion Omnibus spending bill. Included in that bill is advanced appropriations for the Indian Health Service, securing its funding through 2024. The bill also contains funding for Native American housing programs, water projects for Indigenous communities, and initiatives to address violence against Native American women.

Brazil | Sonia Guajajara Named First Minister of Ministry of Indigenous Affairs

(DECEMBER)

On December 28, Sonia Guajajara (Guajajara) made history when she was appointed by Brazil’s President, Lula da

Silva, as the first Minister of the newly created Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. Guajajara will manage FUNAI as well as all secretariats and agencies responsible for public policies for Indigenous Peoples.

U.S. | New Alert System Used to Find Missing Indigenous People in Colorado

(JANUARY)

The disappearance of Wanbli Vigil, a 27-year-old Lakota man, is the first case to activate Colorado’s new Missing Indigenous Person Alert system, which automatically notifies local and state law enforcement as well as media outlets. Colorado joins Washington State as the second state to develop such alert systems in recent months.

Canada | First National Ribbon Skirt Day Celebrated

(JANUARY)

Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, proclaimed January 4 National Ribbon Skirt Day. Ribbon skirts are typically reserved for Indigenous ceremonies or special events, with the colorful ribbons symbolizing a special meaning to the wearer.

Brazil | President Lula Signs Pro-Indigenous and Pro-Environment Measures

(JANUARY)

President of Brazil, Lula da Silva, signed six decrees on his first day in office canceling or amending former President Jair Bolsonaro’s anti-environmental policies. The orders included resuming initiatives to fight deforestation and the cancellation of a decree that encouraged mining in Indigenous territories and protected areas.

U.S. | Pebble Mine Blocked in Alaska

(JANUARY)

After decades of Indigenous activism, the Environmental Protection Agency vetoed a proposed massive open-pit copper and gold mine in a remote region of southwest Alaska where headwaters streams sustain one of the world’s largest wild salmon fisheries.