Backing Indigenous Leaders: Ending the Climate Crisis and Decolonization

Colonization and capitalism have disconnected us from our connection with each other, our basic human needs, and the land. There is so much to learn from indigenous cultures, especially around our relationships – with nature, ourselves, and each other. In this workshop we will share ways we can use engaged listening to back Indigenous leaders and heal ourselves from the damaging effects of colonization.

Raising Indigenous Voices

The invisibility of indigenous culture and people allows cultural genocide and climate destruction to continue. The ignorance of others in “dominant groups” is very harmful - both emotionally and in terms of progress in the climate movement. Allies to indigenous peoples can become better informed and help raise the voices of indigenous people.   

Connecting with the Land and Each Other

There is so much you can learn from indigenous culture - especially surrounding our relationship with nature. Indigenous minds are less colonized. An example of a colonized mindset is seeing nature and land as a resource rather than an equal you co-exist with. Indigenous people have always seen all life just as valuable as our own - giving thanks when hunting or foraging or even cutting a tree to build a home. To Indigenous cultures the land belongs to itself. We just live there with it. We take care of it and it will take care of us

Meeting Basic Human Needs

Capitalism and colonization disconnect us from each other and make it harder for us to get important things done. We feel alone, lost, and without power. Being close to people is something that young people are good at. They remind us what it means to be human - that human closeness and love are a basic human need - that fun times, play, spending time in nature and following our passion are also basic needs.  Capitalism and colonization try to make us believe our value is based on productivity - which is untrue. It prevents us from getting our basic needs met - one of which is having a beautiful and livable planet for all. 

Listening Exchanges

Exchanging listening is an important way to heal from the damaging effects of colonization and capitalism on our minds, hearts, and our relationship to ourselves, each other, and all of nature. 

In this workshop, we will use listening exchanges to learn to:

• Back Indigenous leadership
• Connect and heal our minds and hearts from colonization and capitalism
• Explore and reclaim our basic needs for  love, connection to others and nature, fun times, and our passions, including our passion for a beautiful and liveable world for all. 

Host or Publisher Diane Shisk