Seventh Generation Fund Kin to the Earth: for Indigenous Peoples “In every deliberation, we must consider the impacts on the Seventh Generation to come.” —the Great Law of Peace of the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy)
These words are the driving force behind the Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, a small, international, Native American foundation based in Arcata, CA. Born out of the Native A m e r i c a n c u l t u r a l renaissance and activism of the 1960s and 1970s, the Seventh Generation Fund was founded by Daniel Bomberry (Salish/Cayuga), and brought together Native A m e r i c a n chiefs, clan-mothers, scholars, youth, activists and tribal philosophers “to respond to the needs of grassroots Indigenous communities and initiatives engaged in cultural revitalization, leadership development, tribal sovereignty, and culturally appropriate economic development strategies.” SGF is now the oldest Native American foundation of its kind. In its 36th year, SGF continues to support and empower communities—from Alaska to South America, and around the world—by providing financial support, technical assistance, media and leadership training, and event organizing for grassroots indigenous organizations. President and CEO Chris Peters, (Pohliklah/Karuk) says that environmental concerns are inseparable from social justice issues and the wellbeing of Indigenous communities. Traditional Native concepts of holistic ecological stewardship
are at the heart of the organization’s philanthropic efforts. Twenty-five years ago, Peters was involved in the battle over the proposed G-O Road, alongside the NEC’s Tim McKay. Since then, SGF has continued to support Indigenous efforts to protect sacred sites against resource extraction and contamination, and other issues. “Sacred places”, says Peters, “are sacred to everything alive”.
Above: Be a Good Ancestor promotional graphic, featuring traditionally dressed Native youth. Left: Members of Seventh Generation Fund’s International Board of Directors, staff, interns and volunteers. Photos courtesy of Seventh Generation Fund.
will be and already is the biggest struggle on the face of the planet. For indigenous peoples, who are successfully advancing the right to water as a human right, and as a right of our common Mother Earth, we recognize the global crisis of our world waters’ status.” In October, SGF sponsored a forum on Respecting the Rights of Mother Earth at HSU, featuring perspectives from social justice and environmental advocates, community members and tribal leaders. For more information on SGF, visit: www.7genfund.org “Our relationship with—and our respect for— the Earth is the DNA that makes up the identity of the Seventh Generation Fund. It shapes all the work we do in Indian Country.” “What we’ve seen happening to indigenous peoples’ homelands over the last half Century is really a keystone event,” he said. “We can see the impacts echo across the globe. We are seeing unstable and erratic climate events and dramatic changes in our ecosystems throughout our traditional territories”. The impacts of climate change on Indigenous communities are quickly becoming important topics, as are issues surrounding water—including availability, rights, and contamination. Executive Director Tia Oros Peters (Zuni) works on water issues from the local community level to the international arena. “Water wars are here,” she says. “Coupled with climate change, the fight over water
Donate
it feels good
11
www.yournec.org
101 H St, Arcata (South of Samoa) (707) 633-8349 www.scraphumboldt.org
Dec2013/Jan2014
EcoNews