Age of Union, a non-profit environmental organization, has pledged $287,000 over two years to The Juma Institute. This substantial investment will support the construction of a new knowledge center in the Brazilian Amazon, preserving Indigenous culture and protecting the rainforest.
A massive mural in Sao Paulo, Brazil, calls out the Cargill-MacMillan family for their company’s role in rainforest destruction and urges them to fulfill their promise to end deforestation. The artwork, created by renowned street artist Mundano, uses the ashes of burned forests and mud from flood-stricken areas as powerful symbols of the environmental devastation caused by Cargill’s practices.
Australian Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe has once again made international headlines for her bold stance against the British monarchy. During a recent speech at Parliament House, she declared, ‘You are not my king’ to King Charles III, further cementing her reputation as a vocal advocate for indigenous rights. This isn’t the first time Thorpe has challenged the legacy of colonialism, previously calling the late Queen Elizabeth a ‘coloniser.’ Learn more about this remarkable figure and her unwavering commitment to her people.
The Northern Territory (NT) in Australia has sparked controversy by lowering the age of criminal responsibility back to 10 years old, reversing a previous move to raise it to 12. This decision has drawn fierce criticism from human rights groups, medical professionals, Indigenous communities, and international experts who argue it will disproportionately impact Aboriginal children and exacerbate existing problems. The NT government insists the change is necessary to address rising youth crime rates, but critics warn of a potentially harmful and ineffective approach that could further entrench vulnerable children in the justice system.
Emonite Nenquimo, an Indigenous leader from Ecuador, believes that Mother Nature is sending a clear message about the urgency of the climate crisis. She emphasizes that the rising tides, severe droughts, and other extreme weather events are warning signs that we must heed. Nenquimo stresses that Indigenous communities are closely attuned to these natural indicators and urges everyone to join forces in the fight against the climate crisis.
Elevated benzene levels from INEOS Styrolution’s chemical plant have negatively impacted members of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation, prompting Councillor Janelle Nahmabin to call for the inclusion of Indigenous voices in ongoing global negotiations for a plastics treaty. The First Nation has faced environmental racism and pollution for over a century, with 40% of Canada’s petrochemicals originating from their homelands. As Aamjiwnaang representatives join forces with environmental advocates, they demand active participation in the design and implementation of the treaty, especially in areas of hazardous substance exposure prevention. The temporary shutdown of the chemical plant for maintenance has brought a sense of relief, but concerns remain about communication breakdowns and accountability.
French photographer Juliette Pavy has won the prestigious Photographer of the Year award at the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards. Her series, which explores the forced contraception and sterilization of Greenlandic Inuit women, sheds light on a dark chapter in history and raises awareness about the ongoing violence against Indigenous communities.
