The University of Montana is on stolen Séliš, Ql̓ispé, and Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis lands. In the 1800s, white settlers stole the Indigenous peoples’ land, assimilated them, and caused widespread trauma that has lasted for generations. They appropriated their culture in ways that are still being unraveled.

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One of these ways is through climate activism. We at the Climate Response Club recognize that the environmental movement did not start in the 1900s, but rather as far back as 3,000 BCE, with the Indigenous peoples’ traditions, values, and culture. They were the original protectors of the land, using trails to quickly trade, fire to grow crops in the forests, creating sophisticated governments (which inspired part of the US Constitution!), and so much more. Their wisdom saw humans as an active part of nature and shaped the city and the people of Missoula into what they are today. 

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Indigenous knowledge and wisdom made modern environmental movements possible. Here are some notable Indigenous environmental activists:

• Xiye Bastida is an environmental activist from Mexico from the Otomi-Toltec nation. Sometimes called “America's Greta Thunberg”, she has led numerous school strikes, and is a prominent leader in several environmental groups such as Sunrise, the Extinction Rebellion, and the People’s Climate Movement.

• Tom B.K. Goldtooth is from the Navajo Nation and Bdewakaƞtoƞwaƞ Dakota. He serves in several organizations including the Global Alliance on the Rights of Nature, and Grassroots for Global Justice and has won numerous awards for his activism.

• Autumn Peltier is Anishinaabe-kwe. She is known as the “Water Warrior” for her activism in protecting Canada’s watersheds and beyond. She has won several awards, including BBC 100 Women list for 2019 and nominated thrice for the International Children's Peace Prize.

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Not listed here are hundreds, if not thousands, of Indigenous activists that use their knowledge every day to make a difference through education, keeping their traditions alive, and continuing to protect the land. Right here in the Missoula Valley, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have their own climate change strategy plan, combining traditional knowledge with scientific data to create one of the most comprehensive Indigenous climate adaptation plans to date. You can view the report here.

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Even at the University of Montana, we see Indigenous leadership every day. Their knowledge created the Payne Native American center, the first LEED Platinum certified building in the Montana University System. Their knowledge has led to flourishing student groups, including Kyiyo, the Pacific Islanders Club, the Black Student Union, and the Latinx Student Union. Their knowledge molded the lands in and around Missoula to create ecosystems that work with the people to produce resources.

 

We need this knowledge more than ever. We need Indigenous climate activists. We need climate activists of all identities and backgrounds for a just future because when it comes to climate change, an injustice to one is an injustice to all.

 

Why we need Indigenous participation in the Climate Response Club

• To culturally give land back

• To recognize the experiences Indigenous peoples have faced with fossil fuel extraction and fascism

• To celebrate Indigenous knowledge of the environment

 

Why we need all underrepresented groups’ participation in the Climate Response Club

• To represent the far-reaching effects of climate change and better solve them

• To recognize their leadership in environmental justice efforts

• To create a wide-reaching coalition to pursue and achieve a just transition away from fossil fuels and other unsustainable technologies

• To strengthen future collaborations with other underrepresented groups

• To allow diverse perspectives to work together successfully and be invited to be an important, key part of the climate discussion on campus

 

Creating a just future for all is integral to climate activism. Please reach out if you have any questions, or come to one of our meetings to get involved. We would be glad to have you on board.

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We stand in solidarity with all people who have seen climate justice delayed or climate justice denied. 

- The Climate Response Club