By Adithi Vimalanathan '22
The fight for climate justice is one that is undoubtedly known all over the world. Day by day, our landfills grow as chemicals intoxicate the air and pollute our waters. We have seen various leaders and groups take a stand in leading the fight for climate justice. Youth activists such as Greta Thunberg and politicians such as Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez have led innumerable numbers into the streets campaigning for political change over the issue. But an often unacknowledged voice in this fight is that of the indigenous peoples of America. Coming from a culture rooted in the dignity of their soil, Native Americans bring a powerful and impassioned message to the world about climate change.
America’s Indigenous populations have felt firsthand the impacts of climate change. Currently, there are 567 federally recognized tribes in the United States of America, many of whom follow traditional lifestyles centered around hunting and harvesting on their land. They often rely on local resources such as fish, animals, and cultivated crops that both function as a source of food and are used in their economies. Furthermore, local plants and animals are key to their way of life and ceremonial practices. Given that a significant portion of these tribes are also located in Alaska, the realities of global warming and rising sea levels have led to added stress in this region and has even forced several to relocate. Environmental change has produced a significant threat to their current systems of living and has impacted the physical and mental well being of their population. It has induced relocation, hunger, and intense struggle, causing many Native Americans to speak out against climate injustice.
Native American youth are key leaders in the fight for climate justice. Coming from various communities and tribes across the U.S.A., they bear witness to the impacts of climate change and have emerged as an integral force in climate activism. One of several activists is Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, a twenty year-old lifelong activist of Aztec ancestry and hip-hop artist. Currently, he serves as youth director of Earth Guardians and has won numerous accolades for his work, such as the US Volunteer Service Award from former president, Barack Obama. From the age of six, he has led campaigns and given speeches, including several TED talks. He also gave a speech at the United Nations in his native language, Nahuatl, concerning the decline of the environment. Martinez has led several campaigns and lawsuits against the federal government, one of which was Juliana et al. vs the United States et al. In this lawsuit, he and 20 other young people sued the government for ignoring their inalienable right to life, liberty, and property in their policy upholding environmental harm. The lawsuit won in 2016 at the state level, where a judge upheld that access to a clean environment is a fundamental right. He continues to promote climate awareness in his hip-hop group named Earth Guardians.
Xiuhtexcatl Martinez and indigenous leaders stand as an example to the American people, showing us clearly the bravery and effort we must expect from our leaders and politicians in power. As Martinez puts it, “With the place that the planet is at, there has never been a greater urgency to act at every level, from politicians to corporations to individuals.” The time to act for our planet, our people, and our future is now. With the firm example that Native American leadership has set for us, we are further strengthened in the path we are to take.
Sources:
Amanpour and Company Interview with Xiuhexcatl Martinez: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-TX_haAeVU
Editors: Jill Tresca, Ms. Brilliant, Cecilia Fiorindo
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