Indigenous Forum – Native Youth Organizing for the Rights of Nature
In 2023, Mashpee Wampanoag youth came together to protect herring, a keystone species in their ancestral homelands, whom their tribe has stewarded for the last 12,000 years. Extractive fishing and pollution has reduced the herring population to 5% since this data has been tracked. The youth took note, organized a coalition, and drafted a resolution to protect herring, based on Rights of Nature legal principles. They brought it to their Tribal Council, who unanimously approved it. In this panel, we’ll hear this inspiring story from the youth directly, and their practical tips for how other youth can protect the places they live through direct action. Moderated by Britt Gondolfi. Featuring: Talia Landry, Ciara Oakley Robbins, Jyrzie Alves, Amaya Balbuena, Jacelle Steiding.
Berkeley Ballroom, Residence Inn
March 30th | 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm