Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Defending the Earth and the Sacred

What if the answers to the climate crisis are here?

In this special Indigenous Peoples’ Day episode, host Frank Oscar Weaver speaks with Indigenous leaders from across the world who are on the front lines of the fight to protect their lands and our planet. Impirita, an Indigenous leader from Peru, shares the harsh reality her community faces as industrial mining contaminates rivers that have provided life and sustenance for generations.

“All these rivers are contaminated, not just by sewage, but also by mining activities,” – Impirita

Frank reflects on the wisdom of Indigenous teachings, like those of Dr. Don Dexter from the Klamath Tribes, who explains how removing Indigenous people from their lands disrupts a natural cycle that keeps ecosystems in balance. Beth Tupara-Katene from Aotearoa (New Zealand) reminds us of the deep responsibility of reciprocity between people and nature, and the urgent need to protect sacred lands.

From the ancient mounds of the Tocobaga tribe in Florida, believed to protect the region from hurricanes, to the laws that silence the words "climate change," this episode explores the modern challenges Indigenous communities face. These storms and disasters are not merely natural—they are #UnnaturalDisasters, fueled by climate pollution.

🌍 Take Action:

Support local tribes and advocate for Indigenous rights.
Join efforts to protect sacred sites in Florida.
Contribute to climate resilience projects and Indigenous-led initiatives.

Join us in honoring the Earth by standing with those who have been defending it for generations.

Credits:

"It's a good day to be Indigenous” is a quote from 1998 independent film “Smoke Signals" Highly recommend it!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_Signals_(film)

Music by SimonGray
A raw recording of the dawn opening ceremony and pōwhiri of the Harbourview Sculpture Trail on the Te Atatu Peninsula in Auckland.
(The pōwhiri (or pōhiri) is the welcoming ceremony on a marae. Marae are not the only places where pōwhiri take place. Pōwhiri can happen anywhere that hosts (tangata whenua) wish to formally welcome a group of visitors (manuhiri).)

https://freesound.org/people/simongray/sounds/339321/

🎧 Listen now to learn how you can take meaningful steps to protect our planet and support Indigenous communities: Indigenous Earth Podcast.