Indigenous Environmental Network
and Haskell Indian Nations University
 Host First Indigenous Just Transition Assembly

We left our historic first Indigenous Just Transition at Haskell Indian Nations University feeling inspired and we hope to weave the Indigenous Principles of Just Transition into the Native American Heritage Month conversation.


An Indigenous Just Transition is a framework for a fair shift to an economy that is ecologically sustainable, equitable and just. An Indigenous Just Transition breaks the cycle of colonial governments pressuring Indigenous communities to choose between western forms of economic development and our rights for self-determination and sovereignty.


Our gathering of frontline Indigenous leaders from across Turtle Island and Haskell students was the first step of working with Haskell Indian Nations University to bring an Indigenous Just Transition into our community conversations and we want to share the event with you to spark the idea of what an Indigenous Just Transition means to you. 


“This is the first convergence of Indigenous peoples on Just Transition.  The Indigenous Environmental Network felt the need to compile a set of Indigenous-based principles of what Just Transition means to Indigenous Peoples in North America. Just Transition is a vision-led, place-based set of principles, processes and practices that build spiritual, cultural, social and economic power based upon Indigenous Original Instructions,” said Tom BK Goldtooth, Executive Director of Indigenous Environmental Network. 


 

 The Indigenous Just Transition assembly is the beginning of a relationship between IEN and Haskell to develop a Just Transition curriculum for Haskell students. Haskell hosted us for two and half-day assembly followed by the first It Takes Roots Encuentro on their campus. 
 
"Indigenous Peoples understand that justice is at the center of all the features of our daily lives. Given the deep experience of injustice in the lives of our Peoples and the power of our own justice-centered intellectual traditions, I believe this IJTA will help guide the difficult work of moving to economies that enhance all life on our Mother Earth,"  said Dr. Daniel Wildcat, Haskell Indian Nations University Indigenous and American Indian Studies Interim President.
 
IEN contracted Lakota artist Arlo Iron Cloud to draw illustrated interviews that resulted in beautiful artwork telling the story of what an Indigenous Just Transition means to six assembly attendees. 




Haskell students were a pivotal part of the conversation at the assembly and prepared a beautiful southern traditional style meal that included buffalo roast, hand-harvest wild rice, salmon, berry pudding, fry bread, and Ponca Silver Tea. 
 
“It is important for Indigenous communities to come together and have a dialogue about how do we define Just Transition,” said Marie Gladue, Just Transition Campaigner with Black Mesa Water Coalition. “Creating spaces for these dialogues with Indigenous peoples and allies will bring forth how we see our work going forward, what projects are people doing, and learning about issues that impact our environment. I look forward to having a conversation about the importance of Natural Law, healing, and action!’


A core principle of the Indigenous Just Transition is that to reclaim our future, we must change the present. 
 

Want to explore what an Indigenous Just Transition looks like for your community?
 

Check it out here : [link removed] and drop us a note to let us know what an Indigenous Just Transition means to you on your socials using the hashtags #IndigenousJustTransition #IJT and #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth. 


Need some more inspiration? Click below for some great one minute Indigenous Just Transition videos and stay tuned as we upload some more! 
 

 

Videos from the Indigenous Just Transition Assembly can be found here : [link removed]:

 

 

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Established in 1990, The Indigenous Environmental Network is an international environmental justice nonprofit that works with tribal grassroots organizations to build the capacity of Indigenous communities. IEN’s activities include empowering Indigenous communities and tribal governments to develop mechanisms to protect our sacred sites, land, water, air, natural resources, the health of both our people and all living things, and to build economically sustainable communities.
 
Learn more here: ienearth.org : [link removed]
 

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The Indigenous Environmental Network - PO Box 485 - Bemidji - MN - 56619

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