Even asking such a question in these troubling times may seem preposterous, but in fact, it is exactly the current state of our world that is inspiring the NDN Collective to put that question forward as the theme for their climate justice work!

In a presentation last month at the CWL (Connected Women Leaders) forum I co-hosted with Ronda Carnegie and Hafsat Abiola, supported by The Rockefeller Foundation at the Bellagio Conference Center in Italy, NDN Collective climate justice director Jade Begay began her talk with this question which, if nothing else, inspires us to envision a different future than the one we seem to be hurtling towards — a climate crisis that demands urgent changes in order to ensure a habitable planet.

The NDN Collective is an Indigenous-led initiative that through organizing, activism, philanthropy, grant-making, capacity-building and narrative change, is creating sustainable solutions for Indigenous individuals and communities. 

Putting forward a vision of the future that could be our ‘best times’ is just the inspiration needed to shift the narrative on the climate crisis from fear to action. Given the urgency of less than a decade to do the work necessary to ensure human survival on this planet, hope is a necessary component of the changes that such a crisis demands — changes in individual behavior and collective will to shape a just transition from fossil fuel and an extractive economy to renewable, sustainable, affordable energy and power.

No one knows better how to do this than Indigenous peoples everywhere. As Jade recently noted in an interview with Yahoo! News, 80% of the world's biodiversity is stewarded by Indigenous people — despite making up less than 5% of the world's population. So being so invested in protecting the land, she says, "is no coincidence."

NDN Collective & Supporting Indigenous Voices

Supporting the work necessary to better align Indigenous knowledge with the many challenges facing so many of the Indigenous communities on the North American continent, the NDN Collective has awarded over $28 million dollars to over 587 Indigenous-led groups and American Indian nations to fund projects such as the Anpetu Wi Wind Farm (means "morning light" in Lakota) in Standing Rock, ND;  the Wolakota Regenerative Buffalo Range and Wildlife Sanctuary on the Sioux Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota; and in engaging 36 tribes and villages in Alaska's Prince William Sound, Chugach, Kodiak, Southwest, and Aleutian Island regions.

You can learn more about the work of NDN at its website and via its podcast, "In Our Power: Climate Justice, Self Determination and Regenerative Economies," hosted by NDN organizer Kailea Frederick that highlights Indigenous led solutions at the forefront of the climate crisis.

Several years ago, my daughter-in-law Laura Turner Seydel, added this Native American proverb to the signature of her email. Laura's father, Ted Turner, was an early leader in environmental stewardship using his considerable influence and media power to remind us of our responsibility as the Earth's caretakers.

I have committed to using my media platforms, like this one, and every opportunity to encourage others to take up this responsibility—to remember that we are perilously close to ‘stealing’ the future from our children and grandchildren. But it’s not too late. We can and must envision a future that could be our ‘best times’—and move toward it, urgently and with hope.

Onward!

- Pat

Here are some programs, podcasts, organizations, and activists that I also recommend you follow on your social media platforms. Listen to their wisdom and amplify their voices.

'In Our Power' Podcast from NDN Collective
Highlighting Indigenous led solutions at the forefront of the climate crisis. 

NDN Collective - Get Involved
Current events, editorials, and collaborative multimedia — from an Indigenous perspective. Visit the blog

An Earth Month Playlist: Centering Indigenous Voices
PBS documentaries and programs that show environmental stewardship from Indigenous perspectives.

Voices of Change: Our Voice Matters
In the lead up to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt in November 2022, a new video series, Voices of Change, features 10 interviews with some of the world's indefatigable climate activists, looking at their courage to persist against all odds, while advocating for change and solutions to protect vulnerable communities and our planet.
 

Social Handles To Follow

Twitter
NDN Collective
Jade Begay

Instagram
NDN Collective
Jade Begay