John,

August 9th commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, first adopted nearly 20 years ago by the United Nations General Assembly. 

Indigenous communities safeguard some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, and our state is no exception. Our work at WCA is guided by their deep lived knowledge of the land and ecosystems that make up our state. 

It is incumbent upon all of us, especially those of us who come from non-Indigenous backgrounds, to listen and learn from Washington’s Native Nations. 

Conservation must include racial, economic, and environmental justice. We know that means there is a great deal of work ahead to dismantle white supremacy. The very systems that perpetuate white supremacy and income inequality also harm the planet.

That’s why Washington Conservation Action partners with activist groups across the state, as part of our commitment to amplify local voices for local solutions. It’s why we have strongly opposed the Goldendale Energy Storage project that would destroy lands culturally and economically important to the Yakama Nation.

And, it’s also why we’ve launched our Tribal Nations program and why we adamantly support the work of Native Vote Washington. 

Here at WCA, we invite you to join us in celebrating, showing gratitude, and standing in solidarity with the Indigenous communities across Washington, today and every day. Add your name here if you’re with us. 

Thanks for joining us.

– Washington Conservation Action

Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters are now unified under one brand, Washington Conservation Action.