This woman made history defending her people's land: 'It's time that the world listened to us'
This Indigenous woman's conservation work is protecting and defending the culture, land, and people of the Amazon.
Nemonte Nenquimo is a Waorani woman who lives in Ecuador, which is "home to some of the most biodiverse rainforests on Earth, teeming with rich wildlife, intricate ecosystems, and Indigenous communities like the Waorani," wrote OneEarth.
The Waorani have lived along the Amazon for thousands of years, but deforestation and construction threaten their land. In the last 50 years, 20% of the Amazon rainforest has been destroyed, according to Sentient Media.
Millions of people are at risk of losing their homes — and Nemonte Nenquimo is trying to prevent that.
When seven million acres of Indigenous land was up for sale, Nemonte partnered with Amazon Frontlines to launch Our Rainforest is Not for Sale. The campaign collected signatures and shared resources to prevent the sale of Indigenous land without their permission.
The campaign was successful. The "court ruled to protect 500,000 acres of their rainforest from oil extraction and mandated that no land could be auctioned without prior and informed consent from the tribe," according to OneEarth.
The Amazon is Earth's largest rainforest. The lush forest acts as a carbon sink, slowing the effects of the changing climate. It also hosts thousands of species of plants and animals and is incredibly biodiverse. Without the Amazon, we could lose 10% of our animals and see a drastic rise in the planet's temperature.
From bringing green energy upgrades like solar panels to Indigenous communities to encouraging Waorani youth to document and protect their land, Nemonte's work has an incredible impact on the environment and the people around her.
Nemonte is also the co-founder of the Indigenous-led nonprofit Ceibo Alliance, which works toward "indigenous resistance and international solidarity rooted in the defense of indigenous territory, cultural survival, and the building of viable solutions-based alternatives to rainforest destruction," per its website.
Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty?
Definitely
Only in some areas
No way
I'm not sure
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
Hard work pays off. Not only is the Amazon and its people safer through her efforts, but she was also recognized by TIME magazine as one of the most influential people in 2020 and received the Goldman Environmental Prize for her sustained efforts to protect the planet.
"As Indigenous peoples, we are fighting to protect what we love—our way of life, our rivers, the animals, our forests, life on Earth—and it's time that the world listened to us," she told OneEarth.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Native Centre marks Indigenous History Month with talks of restoring totem pole
As Canadians take time this month to recognize Indigenous history, the Niagara Regional Native Centre is moving ahead with plans to restore the 25-foot totem pole that has stood outside its Niagara-on-the-Lake building since 1988. 'It is in dire need of restoration right now,' said Halley Irwin, director of development and community engagement. The Thunderbird totem pole, carved by Chief Mathias Joe of the Squamish Nation in Vancouver, was commissioned by Davis Lumber in St. Catharines in 1955 as a piece of art to promote the company's ties to Western Canada. At that time, it was billed as the largest totem pole east of the Rockies, said Irwin. Approximately 25 feet high with a 14-foot wingspan, the pole was moved to the centre in 1988 after the lumber company closed. But after spending the last 70 years outdoors, the totem pole is in desperate need of restoration, Irwin said. 'It should be a solid piece of wood and we know that there are definitely some hollow spots in it right now,' she said. 'We currently know that there are a family of squirrels living in it.' Irwin said the centre is hoping to start restoration this year in late summer to early fall. 'It'll likely be a two or three-week process,' she said. A campaign to raise funds for the project, which will cost more than $150,000, is expected to launch a few weeks before restoration starts. Now in its 53rd year, the centre has grown into a key hub for more than 2,000 Indigenous people across the Niagara region. National Indigenous History Month takes place in June and honours the history, contributions and strength of First Nation, Inuit and Métis people. National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21. With Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve and Mississaugas of the Credit Reserve located about 100 kilometres away, the Niagara centre fills a vital role, Irwin said. 'It's important to have a gathering place for urban Indigenous people,' she said. And since 65 per cent of registered Indigenous people live off-reserve, Irwin said having a local space for community and cultural connection is essential. The centre services First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in NOTL, St. Catharines, Thorold, Niagara Falls, Welland, Lincoln, West Lincoln, Pelham and Grimsby — offering 27 largely social-service-based programs, as well as public and private events, Irwin said. It's been around since 1972 and moved to its current location on Airport Road in the '80s. Its aims include supporting cultural and social interests, addressing social and economic challenges, fostering Indigenous leadership and building understanding between Indigenous people and others in the community. Totem poles are not traditional to Indigenous peoples who historically resided in Treaty 381 (Niagara Purchase), which covers NOTL, Irwin said. 'It's definitely important to recognize that it is not part of our traditions — yet something that we still honour,' she said. The centre has come full circle since its beginnings, Irwin said, and is still working to grow sustainably, be economically independent and self-sufficient. The centre is now firmly established as a vital resource for Niagara and remains focused on adapting to the changing needs of the Indigenous community, she said. It also continues to bring people together, like through its August BBQ, November Toonie Auction, January New Year social and regular drum nights and socials throughout the year. Next up for the centre: A spring celebration this Friday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will feature hands-on activities, food and community connection — rain or shine. Updates on what's happening at the centre can be found on its website at . paigeseburn@ Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Catholic board updated on Inspiring Success journey
Trustees discussed the connection between Catholic education and Indigenous spirituality during the Prince Albert Catholic School Division board of education's regular meeting on May 26. The Inspiring Success Journey explored Truth and Reconciliation with the Catholic faith. Father Harry Shalahub, Coordinator of Religious Instruction, and Gwen Clyke, Coordinator of Student Achievement and Assessment, gave a presentation about what the division does to connect the two subjects. 'There's certainly a lot in common with Indigenous spirituality and our faith and the dignity of each person is the first thing that comes to mind, that all nations really respect the dignity of all people,' director of education Lorel Trumier said. The division's three-year Strategic Plan outlines both Inspiring Success and Catholic Faith as priorities. Inspiring Success is a Ministry of Education policy that has the intent to support First Nations students in a way that supports their knowledge. The school division goal is to provide educational opportunities to further the knowledge of Indigenous ways and understanding of Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action with guidance by the Inspiring Success framework. 'There are many things occurring throughout our curriculum and our faith-based opportunities that can support our work on Truth and Reconciliation, and we're being intentional about the aspects of this work,' she explained. It also connects to the faith-based aspect of Catholic education by creating opportunities to make connections to the Catholic faith. The two work hand-in-hand to create opportunities for students and staff to learn about both of the priority areas. The Inspiring Success journey answers two Calls to Action, Call 63 on Indigenous Education and Call 14 on Aboriginal Languages. The Division began the year with a Staff Retreat which included workshops with Elder Liz Settee, Knowledge Keeper Mike Relland and Kevin Phillip as Catholic faith speaker. The retreat was divided into three stations with Indigenous Ways of Knowing with Settee and Relland and Catholic faith with Phillip. Clyke and Shalahub led a Saint Walk where staff learned about the saints represented by each of the schools. 'We take our opportunities for not only faith development, but professional development and reflection on these matters,' Trumier said. This Year's spiritual theme was Living Christ's Mission which connected to the three tipi teachings for the year on Respect, Obedience and Humility. There were presentations, classroom lessons and activities in schools to support them on the Inspiring Success journey. More tipi teaching will be done in upcoming years. 'They're spiritual themes that we journey on each year, and it is a Jubilee Year this year, which heightens our responsibility and the joy that we get from journeying and pilgrimaging together through these processes,' Trumier said. The division also has an Invitational Shared Services Initiative (ISSI) with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation that supports work in Inspiring Success The provincial government has earmarked $92,300 to support the partnership between 2024 and 2028. The funds will go towards land-based learning consultations, elders and knowledge keeper honorariums, and Indigenous education consultants. The division is partnering with PBCN for the application because 70 per cent of Prince Albert Catholic students who live on reserve while attending Catholic schools are PBCN members. The ISSI proposal was initially submitted on April 14, 2023 and the division was notified in late May that the maximum application limit was reduced from $100,000 to $80,000. They resubmitted the application on June 2 to reflect the updated ministry financial criteria and received approval on June 11, 2023. 'There are really some great community partners and people that we come to discuss and to work with, including our Bishop and our clergy as well,' Trumier said. 'There is a committee of all of the Catholic School boards doing this work and helping each other through the process of understanding the best ways to do that.' The presentation was also done at the beginning of Catholic Education Week, which ran from May 25 to June 1. Trumier saluted the work done by everyone in the division. 'We are lucky that we have a team here within our school division that includes not only Superintendent (Wade Mourot), (but) religious coordinators and curriculum coordinators,' Trumier said. 'We have teachers and Administration that are of Indigenous and Metis decent that are supporting our understanding and moving that forward along with the Elders and the community members that are assisting us,' she added. The presentation concluded with a video produced by the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association (SCSBA) entitled 'Lighting the Path to Truth and Reconciliation.' The video included several people from the division including Shalahub and others. The video highlights all eight Catholic Divisions and their journey in Truth and Reconciliation. 'Kudos to my team of teachers and administrators and coordinators who really make it come alive in our schools, I think, we can't do it with all without all our teachers and the people that are organizing and supporting us,' she said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Fire safety gets big boost in Kahnawake
Experts sounded the alarm on fire safety at the Kahnawake Fire Brigade (KFB) on Wednesday, kicking off a campaign that will reach at least 16 Indigenous communities, ahead of a giveaway of hundreds of smoke alarms in town. 'Kahnawake by far is probably the tip of the sword when it comes to fire protection,' said interim KFB fire chief Wihse Stacey. 'Communities look up to us. It's not unusual to get calls from Cree communities, from communities out west. Generally, we tend to lead the way. Having Kidde on board when it comes to fire safety, it's huge.' Kidde, a century-old brand specializing in fire safety projects, has teamed up with the likes of the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council and Firefighters Without Borders for its Cause for Alarm campaign, which will see 6,000 fire alarms donated to First Nations. 'We can't underscore how important this initiative is for this community and to all First Nations communities who struggle to maintain fire departments across the country,' said Mohawk Council of Kahnawake chief David Diabo, who attended to show Council's support for the initiative. He implored Kahnawa'kehró:non to sign up to receive a smoke detector, which will be distributed by the fire brigade pending an announcement on how they will be given out. 'It's so important because fire safety is all about being prepared, and everyone's at risk for fires in their homes, but some communities have higher rates of house fires,' said Ivanette Bonilla, chief communications and government relations officer for Kidde, who noted Indigenous communities suffer around 20 percent of fire-related deaths despite making up about five percent of the country's population. 'It's critically important that we reach these communities, not only with the alarms, but also with the education on how to keep the alarm,' she said, noting the importance of testing it monthly, changing it every 10 years, and of households having an evacuation plan, which is crucial when seconds count. The alarms provided by Kidde have 25 percent faster detection, Bonilla said, and are designed to avoid nuisance alarms that often prompt people to disable the devices. 'If you're cooking a hamburger at home, it won't trigger the alarm,' Bonilla said. A total of 504 alarms were donated to Kahnawake. Stacey presented the donation as an opportunity for community members to ensure early fire detection without having to dig into their own pockets. 'As a fire inspector, it's hard for me to go into these houses and tell them what to do, to tell them they have to spend money on fire safety,' said Stacey. 'How do I justify them spending money? They might be struggling to put food on the table but here I am walking in saying you have to buy this, you have to buy that.' The donation changes that equation, which is crucial considering the role the devices can play in the security of the community. 'Early detection saves lives, plain and simple,' he said, noting that anyone who has seen a video of a house fire on YouTube will know how fast fires can consume homes. Like Bonilla, Stacey urged community members to ensure their smoke alarms are functioning, with the fire brigade often seeing alarms installed that should have been out of commission long ago. 'That's actually one of the biggest problems that we face,' he said. 'If I walk into a house, there's a good chance I'm going to find one that could be 20 or even 30 years old. They have that funny yellow colour that looks like somebody's been smoking in there for years, and it's obvious to me without even having to look at it that it's long since expired, and that's the problem.' The last time the fire brigade distributed smoke detectors, there was a line up down the road before the giveaway even opened, he said, showing the level of interest and need in the community. Kahnawake elder Otsitsaken:ra Charlie Patton opened the event at the fire brigade, during which he recalled the Kahnawake of his childhood. 'I remember they had an old pumper truck that maybe started one day and didn't start the next day, and maybe it only ran because people pushed it up a hill,' he said. Oftentimes, he said, wells would go dry before a fire had been extinguished, and despite community members coming together, homes would be lost. 'Now look at where we are, the beautiful equipment that we have,' he said. 'This didn't just happen because somebody flicked a switch. It happened because people had foresight, people had a dream, people did the legwork and rolled up their sleeves and found ways to make the community better.' This is the context in which he put the smoke alarm donation. 'I'm sure it will save a lot of lives,' he said. marcus@ Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
