In a time where student voices have been silenced, Slam Dunkley’s, Earth Guardians board member, law school graduation speech highlights the hypocrisy in our society and the importance of

In a time where student voices have been silenced, Slam Dunkley’s, Earth Guardians board member, law school graduation speech highlights the hypocrisy in our society and the importance of young leaders maintaining optimism as we create a radically different future.

ABOUT SLAM DUNKLEY 🌱✨
Dumonde Slam Dunkley was born in Besançon, France, and is of Jamaican and Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape descent. After spending most of his childhood in Europe, Slam settled in the Appoquinomink marshlands of Delaware.
Before attending law school, Slam was a Division 1 Rower at Saint Joseph's University where he graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy and a M.S. in Organizational Development and Leadership. Slam then came to the University of Arizona to develop a deeper understanding of legal and political systems that hinder American progress.

Slam was an active member of the law community, having served as both 1L delegate and subsequently President of the Native American Law Student Association (NALSA), President of the Black Law Student Association, member of the Arizona Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, and was a member of the Barry Davis National Mock Trial Team.
In his two years on campus, Slam led and helped organize nearly 100 educational, cultural, career-oriented, and community-based events and wrote an award-winning and published Legal Note on Indian Water rights.

Slam then spent his 3L year in Lyon, France, where he received an LL.M. in International and European Business Law.
He will continue his legal education at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Slam is also an outstanding board member for Earth Guardians, where he helps us train & empower diverse youth to be leaders at the intersections of the climate crisis.

🌟 Just like Slam, you too can create a radical & positive change! 🌟
Start your journey of radical activism with Earth Guardians at www.earthguardians.org

Discover the power of youth voices shaping a brighter future! 

During our annual Indigenous Youth Leadership Initiative Training, trainees explored their visions of What If

Discover the power of youth voices shaping a brighter future! 

During our annual Indigenous Youth Leadership Initiative Training, trainees explored their visions of What If Indigenous Futures THRIVED? What would that look like?

Through heartfelt reflections and self-directed films, they imagined a world where Indigenous Futurisms flourish, blending traditional wisdom with modern solutions for climate resilience and environmental justice, creating an equitable and regenerative future for all.

This is more than a vision—it's a call to action. 

From cultural reclamation to advocating for sovereignty and self-determination, these young leaders create ethical and sustainable futures for their communities and beyond.

At Earth Guardians, our Indigenous Youth Leadership Initiative and Crews prove that intergenerational and diverse leadership and decision-making power are vital to driving meaningful change and having an abundant future.

Feel inspired by the next generation of changemakers? Join us in the movement by engaging in Earth Guardians programs or donating to them today at www.earthguardians.org

Video edit by: SanTeena Pugliese, Earth Guardians mentor and IYI media and storytelling trainer

#WhatIf #WhatIfIndigenousFutures #EarthGuardians #climateemergency #restoretheclimate #climateresilientnation

Indigenous Women from the Amazon: Calls for Urgent Action - COP27 Press Conference

Indigenous organizations and communities, led by women, are mobilizing locally and globally to

Indigenous Women from the Amazon: Calls for Urgent Action - COP27 Press Conference

Indigenous organizations and communities, led by women, are mobilizing locally and globally to protect and defend their communities and territories from governments and corporations that continue to violate Indigenous and human rights, and push forward extractive projects that harm local ecosystems and put communities at risk.

During this press conference, Indigenous women from the Amazon Basin and Brazil brought forth calls to action for Indigenous rights and protection of forests, water, communities, and the global climate.

Speakers included:
--- Sônia Bone Guajajara (Guajajara), Indigenous Leader from Brazil, Federal Deputy of the National Congress of Brazil, Brazil
--- Patricia Gualinga (Kichwa), Spokeswoman for Mujeres Amazónicas Defensoras de la Selva (Amazon Women in Defense of the Jungle), Sarayaku, Ecuador
--- Helena Gualinga (Kichwa), Indigenous Youth Climate Leader, Sarayaku, Ecuador
--- Taily Terena (Terena), Indigenous Rights Activist, WECAN Coordinator in Brazil, Brazil

Accelerating a Feminist Green New Deal - COP27 Press Conference

To truly address the root causes, as well as the scope and scale of the climate crisis, the Green New Deal must be

Accelerating a Feminist Green New Deal - COP27 Press Conference

To truly address the root causes, as well as the scope and scale of the climate crisis, the Green New Deal must be cross-cutting in its approach, steadfast in feminist principles, and strive to combat historical oppressions.

During this press conference, speakers discussed the principles of the Feminist Green New Deal and feminist policies and frameworks that are necessary for advancing just climate policies. This press conference was organized by the Feminist Green New Deal Coalition, of which WECAN is a founding member.

Speakers included:
--- Jacqui Patterson, Founder and Executive Director, The Chisholm Legacy Project
--- Margaret Kwateng, National Green New Deal Organizer, Global Grassroots Justice Alliance (GGJA)
--- Dr. Frances Roberts-Gregory, Program Director, Initiative for Energy Justice
--- Katherine Quaid (Confederated Tribes of Umatilla), Communications Coordinator, Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN)
--- Mara Dolan, Program Manager, Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO)

Women for Climate Justice Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of Climate Change - COP27 Side Event

At this official UN Side Event, grassroots, frontline and Indigenous women leaders,

Women for Climate Justice Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of Climate Change - COP27 Side Event

At this official UN Side Event, grassroots, frontline and Indigenous women leaders, alongside representatives from international climate justice organizations, spoke out to address root causes of interlocking crises and the need for solutions based in a climate justice framework, including forest and biodiversity protection, Indigenous rights, agro-ecology, fossil fuel resistance, protection of women land defenders, and community-led solutions.

Speakers included:
--- Neema Namadamu, Democratic Republic of Congo Coordinator, Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), Democratic Republic of Congo
-- Sônia Bone Guajajara (Guajajara), Indigenous Leader from Brazil, Federal Deputy of the National Congress of Brazil, Brazil
--- Casey Camp Horinek (Ponca Nation), Ponca Nation Environmental Ambassador and WECAN Board Member, USA
--- Anne Songole, Climate Justice Coordinator, The African Women’s Development and Communications Network (FEMNET), Kenya
--- Jessica Grefa, Indigenous youth leader from Santa Clara
--- Eriel Tchekwie Deranger (Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation), Executive Director of Indigenous Climate Action, Canada
--- Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director of Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN)

Indigenous Women from North America Defending Biodiversity, Human Rights, and our Global Climate

During this virtual event held in parallel to the UNPFII, Indigenous women leaders

Indigenous Women from North America Defending Biodiversity, Human Rights, and our Global Climate

During this virtual event held in parallel to the UNPFII, Indigenous women leaders addressed a variety of topics, highlighting how Indigenous women are leading efforts to uphold Indigenous rights and sovereignty, including the right of Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) with the aim of advocating to global governments and financial institutions that respecting Indigenous knowledge, ways of life, and FPIC, and the right to say “no” to continued extraction, is paramount to addressing the global climate and environmental crises. Speakers also presented solutions grounded in Indigenous knowledge and expertise for protecting and defending communities and Mother Earth.

Press Conference – Indigenous Women from the Amazon: Calls for Urgent Action; COP28, Saturday, December 2, 2023, 5:00 - 5:30 PM

During COP28, WECAN hosted a series of events

Press Conference – Indigenous Women from the Amazon: Calls for Urgent Action; COP28, Saturday, December 2, 2023, 5:00 - 5:30 PM

During COP28, WECAN hosted a series of events highlighting the powerful voices of women leaders in all of their diversity from around the world!

Indigenous women powerfully mobilized to protect Indigenous rights and biodiversity in the Amazon. Speakers from the Amazon called forth calls to action and advocacy efforts to uplift Indigenous rights and protect forests, water, communities, and the global climate.

Speakers included:
✨ Célia Xakriabá, Indigenous Activist and Member of the Chamber of Deputies from Minas Gerais, Brazil
✨ Fany Kuiru Castro, General Coordinator of the Coordinating Body of Indigenous Organisations of the Amazon Basin (COICA), Colombia
✨ Elaine Shajian Shawit, President of the Regional Coordinating Committee of Indigenous Peoples of San Lorenzo (CORPI SL), Peru
✨ Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director of Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), USA

Press Conference – Accelerating Feminist Solutions to the Climate Crisis, Saturday, December 2, 2023, 3:30 - 4:00 PM

During COP28, WECAN hosted a series of events highlighting

Press Conference – Accelerating Feminist Solutions to the Climate Crisis, Saturday, December 2, 2023, 3:30 - 4:00 PM

During COP28, WECAN hosted a series of events highlighting the powerful voices of women leaders in all of their diversity from around the world! This event was co-hosted by the Feminist Green New Deal (FemGND) Coalition, of which WECAN is a founding member.

​During this press conference, women and feminist leaders spoke to the root causes of the climate crisis as it is imperative to ensure the inclusion of feminist principles in a Just Transition. Speakers discussed feminist policies and frameworks that are necessary for advancing just climate policies, focused in the United States with global implications. Speakers included organizational representatives from the FemGND Coalition

💥 Tzeporah Berman, Chair, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, Canada 💥 Mitzi Jonelle Tan, Convenor and International Spokesperson for Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), Philippines 💥 Eriel Tchekwie Deranger (Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation), Executive Director of Indigenous Climate Action, Canada 💥 Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director of Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), USA

The Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance is fighting for the rights of our planet and demanding respect and care for our natural world. The video begins with Uyunkar Domingo Peas.

The Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance is fighting for the rights of our planet and demanding respect and care for our natural world. The video begins with Uyunkar Domingo Peas.

Indigenous peoples have an incredible record for protecting the natural world, and this 2024 Earthshot Prize Finalist represents the permanent protection of 35 million hectares of forest in the territories of 30 Indigenous nations across Peru and Ecuador.

Watch The Earthshot Report:
On BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00263cl/the-earthshot-prize-report-2024
On PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/the-earthshot-report/

--
Over the last ten years, the evidence that we face urgent challenges to protect the environment has become indisputable, and it’s clear that the time to act is now. Drawing inspiration from the concept of moonshots, which since the moon landing in 1969 has become shorthand to talk about the most ambitious and ground-breaking goals, Prince William announced The Earthshot Prize: an ambitious set of challenges to inspire a decade of action to repair the planet.

We believe in the power of human ingenuity to prove to us all that the seemingly impossible is possible.

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Learn more about The Earthshot Prize here: https://earthshotprize.org/
The Earthshot Prize on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theearthshotprize
The Earthshot Prize on Instagram: twitter.com/TheEarthshotPrize
The Earthshot Prizes on Twitter: facebook.com/TheEarthshotPrize
The Earthshot Prizes on Facebook: instagram.com/TheEarthshotPrize

In her work, Kahea often wonders, "As we face the climate crisis head-on, what role does Indigenous knowledge play in effectively building a sustainable future?" She believes the answer lies in

In her work, Kahea often wonders, "As we face the climate crisis head-on, what role does Indigenous knowledge play in effectively building a sustainable future?" She believes the answer lies in rooting our solutions in the time-tested wisdom of those who came before us to create a future in which both people and the planet not only survive but flourish. Kahea Pacheco (Kanaka 'Ã…Å’iwi) is a passionate advocate for Indigenous people’s rights and climate justice that puts aloha ʻ�ina—love of the land—at the heart of solutions. She is a Co-Executive Director at Women’s Earth Alliance, a 19-year global initiative that empowers women’s leadership to protect the environment, end the climate crisis, and ensure a just, thriving world. In her work, Kahea often wonders, "As we face the climate crisis head-on, what role does Indigenous knowledge play in effectively building a sustainable future?" She believes the answer lies in rooting our solutions in the time-tested wisdom of those who came before us to create a future in which both people and the planet not only survive but flourish. “In ʻŌlelo Hawai’i, ʻ�ina is our word for land and means ‘that which feeds us.’ It was also the word my ancestors used for family. This reminds us that the natural world is alive—living, breathing, and nurturing us. Everything we see is a member of our family.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx