In late August, we were at WILD12 in Hé Sapa. Many of the themes raised are those that we cover at the IEI retreat and workshops: Tribal engagement, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Ethical Space and the role of peace, which was a resonant theme shared by Lakota spiritual leader and 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, Chief Arvol Lookinghorse.
What stood out to us was the gathering’s format, which was really grounded in the people and place where the event took place, and platformed primarily Indigenous speakers and allies. This is unique for a global conservation conference and is a positive sign that there’s been strong advancements toward deep Native understandings, co-creation and the realization of Ethical Space that we’ve been advocating for.