Indigenous Rights

Indigenous People are those who have originated from a certain area, especially before a colonization event. Also known as natives, Indigenous people today are especially affected by climate change and other environmental issues.

History

Indigenous tribes and nations have been established for thousands of years, many still remaining today. During the Age of Exploration, many groups were exposed to disease and subject to conquering, violence, and genocide. These events significantly reduced the Indigenous population. The survivors were forced onto reservations or forced to conform to western society. This practice is known as assimilation. In many places, traditional clothing and practices were banned, Indigenous religions and languages were outlawed, and people were forced apart from their families.¹

Historically, Indigenous people have not had voice in politics. Decisions about reservations and cultural practices were frequently made without Indigenous participation. Even today, Indigenous voices are not always prioritized or considered. Indigenous groups frequently have to fight for land rights, or the control over their own territory and borders. Additionally, Indigenous people are usually excluded from important climate discussions, even though they experience the effects of climate change firsthand. This is because Indigenous people are not usually trusted or given credibility, as their lifestyles are different from westernized societies. For example, many do not receive a formal western education because of discrimination, barriers to education, or that they simply don’t need a degree for careers in their own communities.²

Indigenous Practices

Indigenous groups around the world are very diverse, yet they each have a strong connection to their environment. Living off the land has taught Indigenous people a lot about how ecosystems work, whether it be from farming, fishing, or hunting and gathering. These observations are passed down through generations, and accumulate to become Indigenous Knowledge or Generational Knowledge. Because of this, new generations within a tribe understand the history of the surrounding environment and how it works today. Indigenous knowledge has allowed for Indigenous resource management that is much more sustainable than westernized societies, yet many countries still ban or restrict those practices.²

Indigenous people are some of the first to experience the effects of climate change. The environment where an Indigenous group lives is an important part of their identity and way of life. Because of this, environmental changes and destruction are directly devastating to them. Indigenous people have been experiencing the loss of biodiversity, rising sea levels, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events. These all limit their ability to gather the food and resources they need to survive, as well as keep the little land that they have left.

Indigenous Rights vs. Environmental Racism

Due to environmental destruction, the Indigenous population especially lacks accessibility to resources like land, food, and clean water. Although this is considered to be environmental racism, the fight for Indigenous rights is often looked at as a separate issue. This is because the environmental issues they face do not only threaten their health, resources, and land, but also their way of life. In the past, colonizers and governments have tried to erase Indigenous people from society completely by isolating them or forcing them to assimilate. Environmental issues today are a continuation of the cultural oppression Indigenous people have been facing for hundreds of years.³

What Can I Do?

There are many ways to help Indigenous people fight environmental racism. Here are some examples:

• Listen to Indigenous peoples' concerns, even if they are not supported by traditional statistics.

• Support environmental movements led by Indigenous people and groups through donations or attending events.

• Vote against government interference in reservations without the support of those affected.

• Educate yourself and others on the history of Indigenous colonization and genocide from Indigenous perspectives.

• Encourage collaboration of Indigenous people, scientists, researchers, and community leaders to establish inclusive and sustainable environmental management practices.