Restoring a safe and stable climate is the greatest challenge of our time; science is key to this effort, as is Indigenous knowledge, wisdom, and leadership. We study critically important ecosystems around the globe, working with stakeholders and decision-makers—often including Indigenous and traditional communities—to develop just, effective strategies for reducing atmospheric carbon.
Join us for a series of events aimed at deepening our relationships with Indigenous communities in the places where we work and amplifying Indigenous voices within our broader community.
JUNE 23
Leslie Jonas | Vice Chair, Native Land Conservancy, Mashpee Wampanoag
The Native Land Conservancy is the first Indigenous land trust east of the Mississippi River, and working on the leading edge of addressing climate change as it relates to land rescue and conservation, and cultural survival for Indigenous peoples. All coastal people are at risk of becoming climate refugees by the end of the century. Indigenous voices have to be a part of the solution based on their ancient wisdom and lifeways developed over many millennia.
In her presentation, NLC Vice Chair Leslie Jonas explores the symptoms of climate change we live with on the coast of Cape Cod, and why it’s important to have First Peoples at the climate change table. Jonas is an eel clan member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe who has spent several years researching climate change from Indigenous perspectives.