Indigenous Wisdom to Face Modern Challenges

Indigenous Youth Initiative at Earth Guardians: Centering Youth Voices and Next Gen Leadership

Alethea Phillips, Director of the Indigenous Youth Initiative, will speak with Earth Guardians IYII committee members Maya Lazzaro, Te Maia Wiki and Kona Mirabal about the critical importance of indigenous youth leadership across Turtle Island. 

In 2022 Earth Guardians will host a series of live trainings to equip our youth with next generation leadership skills, increasing their individual and collective capacity to positively impact the systems we participate in, for the benefit of humanity and our reciprocal relationship with Earth. 

The Indigenous Youth Leadership Initiative Training offers a unique opportunity to indigenous youth leaders at the forefront of the climate movement. When given the opportunity to learn firsthand the ways of their elders and mentors, indigenous youth find they are intrinsically and spiritually committed to protecting their planet, and their cultural heritage, which are inextricably connected. 

The Indigenous Youth Initiative Training was envisioned in 2018, in response to requests by indigenous youth, who were looking for support in building their platforms for social/environmental activism and cultural advocacy, after the movement at Standing Rock. This five day program is built upon indigenous traditional knowledge, community, and a shared goal and common vision to protect the Earth for future generations. Our training seeks to help our youth create and control their own narrative, build lasting relationships, and develop plans of action to achieve their goals. 

All 2022 Indigenous Youth Initiative training participants will dramatically increase their leadership skills and increase their knowledge about social and environmental justice issues impacting their communities, while simultaneously forming a close, supportive network. Through three tracks of learning including Direct Action, Reclaiming Personal Narrative and Media, and Traditional Knowledge, we will equip participants with the tools, confidence, and support to inspire and lead other tribal youth, and their community members, to create impactful lasting change in the areas of: Food and Energy Sovereignty Environmental and Social Justice Campaign Development Cultural Resilience and Decolonization

(All events for this program on YouTube at https://youtu.be/kg22hqQeL1o)

Learn more on their website! 

earthguardians.org

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