We are Indigenous. This transcends any primary allegiance to a political party. As the original stewards of the land, we will always be engaged in natural resource and conservation projects and decision-making, no matter who holds elected office.
When we say “all my relations”, we mean everyone, regardless of political stripes. We all need clean water. We all need good food to eat. We all should participate in framing economies that distribute opportunity. We all need to feel safe and free of injustice. We all need to call this Earth our home.
Our aim is to collaborate with corporate, philanthropic, academic and governmental partners across the political spectrum who understand that working collaboratively is best for all people.
We’re also building momentum in a global context. On Turtle Island and beyond, Indigenous People are holding key roles more and more often, in the negotiation of agreements for biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation and adaptation. We’re increasingly turned to for leadership and guidance in these spaces.
We’re not afraid of hard conversations and complexity. In fact, we welcome them! That’s exactly what the Ethical Space framework for Indigenous engagement helps prepare us for and navigate.
At this time when political priorities are shifting on Turtle Island and many of us are vision-casting for the year ahead, ask yourself: how can your organization plan ahead to create opportunities for “all our relations” in partnership with Indigenous People in your natural resource and conservation projects?