What Debra Haaland's confirmation as interior secretary means to Native Americans

March 15, 2021, PBS Newhour

Debra Haaland's confirmation in the U.S. Senate Monday as secretary of

What Debra Haaland's confirmation as interior secretary means to Native Americans

March 15, 2021, PBS Newhour

Debra Haaland's confirmation in the U.S. Senate Monday as secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior makes her the first-ever Native American to serve as a Cabinet secretary. She'll oversee energy and climate policy on millions of acres of public land, as well as the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Timothy Nuvangyaoma, chairman of the Hopi Tribe in Arizona,  joins Lisa Desjardins to discuss.

Conference participants highlighted the destruction of land values when Indigenous Knowledge is disregarded. They emphasized the choice between ignoring sustainable systems and embracing ancient

Conference participants highlighted the destruction of land values when Indigenous Knowledge is disregarded. They emphasized the choice between ignoring sustainable systems and embracing ancient wisdom that sustained people for millennia.

Online participant Quese IMQ, an Indigenous HipHop Artist, shared the spiritual significance of building earth lodges in his life. He noted the shifting balance of life on Earth and asserted that it is time for Indigenous Peoples to lead.

On December 3, 2007, the ICCFoundation highlighted efforts in biodiversity conservation. This work focuses on overcoming political

On December 3, 2007, the ICCFoundation highlighted efforts in biodiversity conservation. This work focuses on overcoming political opposition to ensure wilderness freedom.

The Patagonia Land Trust, also known as Conservacion Patagonica, has been instrumental in these efforts. This organization, dedicated to preserving critical lands in southern Chile and Argentina, established two national parks under the stewardship of Kris and Doug Tompkins.

Kahea Pacheco (Kanaka ʻŌiwi) is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights AND climate justice. She champions the

Kahea Pacheco (Kanaka ʻŌiwi) is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights AND climate justice. She champions the concept of aloha 'āina (love of the land), believing that effective solutions to the climate crisis are rooted in time-tested Indigenous knowledge.

As Co-Executive Director at Women's Earth Alliance—a 19-year-old global initiative that empowers women to protect the environment—Kahea works to ensure a just AND thriving world. She notes that in 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, the word <'āina (land) also means "that which feeds us" AND was used by her ancestors to mean "family," reinforcing the view that the natural world is a living, nurturing member of our community.

This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Gala Co-chairs Hank and Wendy Paulson presented the International Conservation Caucus Foundation's (ICCF) "The Good Steward" Award to Kris and Doug Tompkins.

The Tompkins were honored for

Gala Co-chairs Hank and Wendy Paulson presented the International Conservation Caucus Foundation's (ICCF) "The Good Steward" Award to Kris and Doug Tompkins.

The Tompkins were honored for their significant personal investment in rehabilitating and conserving over two million acres of land across the Patagonia region of Chile and Argentina.

At the CSW66 side event, "Building Systemic Change: Frontline Women-Led Solutions for Climate Justice," Indigenous, Black, Brown, and frontline women leaders addressed multiple interlocking

At the CSW66 side event, "Building Systemic Change: Frontline Women-Led Solutions for Climate Justice," Indigenous, Black, Brown, and frontline women leaders addressed multiple interlocking crises. They presented diverse climate justice strategies, including forest protection, Indigenous rights, food sovereignty, and community-led solutions.

Speakers featured Neema Namadamu, Monique Verdin, Jacqui Patterson, Melina Laboucan-Massimo, and Helena Gualinga. Their collective voices, analysis, and leadership are critical for building a resilient and just future. Event resources are available here.

Upcycle the Gyres Society (UpGyres) is a British Columbia-based non-profit organization dedicated to preventing plastic pollution in our oceans.

They achieve this by promoting comprehensive

Upcycle the Gyres Society (UpGyres) is a British Columbia-based non-profit organization dedicated to preventing plastic pollution in our oceans.

They achieve this by promoting comprehensive land-based plastic waste management, including reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, rethinking, and upcycling. Learn more at UpGyres.

Award-winning lawyer and climate justice organizer Colette Pichon Battle, from Bayou Liberty, Louisiana, argues for an expanded understanding of the Climate Justice movement. She contends that

Award-winning lawyer and climate justice organizer Colette Pichon Battle, from Bayou Liberty, Louisiana, argues for an expanded understanding of the Climate Justice movement. She contends that success in innovating a better future hinges on recognizing its deep connections to other human rights struggles.

Pichon Battle explains that issues such as gender and migrant justice are inextricably linked to human rights for clean air, clean water, sovereign land, and community control of justly sourced sustainable energy. These interconnected fights are essential for achieving genuine climate justice.

Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4AWoO47oPU

Haskell University students and faculty presented at the Right of Mother Earth - International Indigenous Conference, sharing the area's profound history. Their presentation detailed the site's

Haskell University students and faculty presented at the Right of Mother Earth - International Indigenous Conference, sharing the area's profound history. Their presentation detailed the site's past as an Indian boarding school, where students faced abuse, including forced cultural separation and language prohibition. Tragically, many students and families hid or died in the surrounding wetlands while attempting to escape.

The marsh and its land hold deep historical and spiritual significance, embodying these struggles and resilience. For several years, the university community has actively worked to preserve these vital, diverse living areas, recounting their efforts to protect this sacred space.

Guujaaw (Haida) emphasizes the land's vital role in meeting his people's needs and advocates for an economy that supports their multi-generational focus.

This interview excerpt is part of a

Guujaaw (Haida) emphasizes the land's vital role in meeting his people's needs and advocates for an economy that supports their multi-generational focus.

This interview excerpt is part of a series exploring sustainability from indigenous leaders within the Salmon Nation bioregion.

For more information, visit the Native Perspectives on Sustainability project.