Indigenous Principles of Just Transition

Since occupation and colonization of the Indigenous lands and territories of North America (Turtle Island), American Indian and Alaska Natives in the United States and First Nations and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada have been fighting for our now internationally recognized inherent rights to our lands, our rights for self-determination and sovereignty. The moment is now to stand strong and in solidarity in defense of our treaty territories, land, water, air and protection of the Circle of All Life.

Now is the moment to break the cycle of the U.S. and Canadian governments consistently pressuring Indigenous Nations and our communities to choose between western forms of economic development and our responsibilities as “guardians” for Protecting the sacredness and territorial integrity of Mother Earth and Father Sky in accordance with our respective Original Instructions, the is woven into our identity as Indigenous Peoples.