Elder Dave Courchene (Nii Gaani Aki Inini – Leading Earth Man), an Anishinabe Nation Elder and Spiritual Advisor for the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, served as Ceremonial Witness at the

Elder Dave Courchene (Nii Gaani Aki Inini – Leading Earth Man), an Anishinabe Nation Elder and Spiritual Advisor for the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, served as Ceremonial Witness at the First Nations’ National Guardians Gathering 2019.

Invited by the Heiltsuk and Squamish Nations, Elder Courchene offered concluding remarks at the gathering, held March 12-13, 2019, in Vancouver.

A full video of the gathering is available at ilinationhood.ca.

Google NYC hosted architect William McDonough for a talk on "Design as Optimism" on April 25th, part of Environment Day. Moderated by Mary Davidge, McDonough highlighted design as the first signal

Google NYC hosted architect William McDonough for a talk on "Design as Optimism" on April 25th, part of Environment Day. Moderated by Mary Davidge, McDonough highlighted design as the first signal of human intention, showcasing real-world examples of products and communities designed to make the world better.

A global leader in sustainable development, McDonough champions "more good, rather than less bad" practices. He co-authored *Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things* and co-founded the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. Hailed as "the father of the circular economy" and a "Hero for the Planet" by Time magazine, McDonough's philosophy offers practical, world-changing design solutions.

Troubled by the lack of youth voices in Virginia climate policy, Dyanna Jaye co-founded the Virginia Student Environmental Coalition (VSEC) after the 2013 Power Shift convergence. VSEC's mission

Troubled by the lack of youth voices in Virginia climate policy, Dyanna Jaye co-founded the Virginia Student Environmental Coalition (VSEC) after the 2013 Power Shift convergence. VSEC's mission is to cultivate and elevate student voices in state-level decision-making, addressing specific challenges like coastline erosion and mountaintop removal mining.

As VSEC's first chair, Jaye established its structure and partnerships. Early actions included critiquing the Governor’s Energy Plan and hosting the 2015 Student Power Lobby Day to advocate for the Virginia Coastal Protection Act. Now active on 11 Virginia college campuses, VSEC continues to ensure students are heard on environmental policy.

On December 3, 2009, Ecotrust recognized five of the West's most innovative Indigenous leaders for their efforts to improve community conditions. Jim Manion, Janeen Comenote, Allen Pinkham, Sr.,

On December 3, 2009, Ecotrust recognized five of the West's most innovative Indigenous leaders for their efforts to improve community conditions. Jim Manion, Janeen Comenote, Allen Pinkham, Sr., A. Brian Wallace, and Patricia L. Whitefoot were honored for their work spanning youth advocacy, education, renewable energy, cultural restoration, and scholarship.

The Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Award is a preeminent program supporting tribal, First Nation, and Alaska Native leaders. These groups are vital nations, governments, landowners, resource co-managers, and economic drivers, contributing long-range vision and sustainable values to the global economy.

Eero Paloheimo, a designer, politician, and university professor, has authored eight books and numerous articles

Eero Paloheimo, a designer, politician, and university professor, has authored eight books and numerous articles on future prospects and environmental issues. In his lectures, he stresses the urgency of shifting our perspective within decades: from humanity being the "disease" to becoming the "doctor" for the planet.

Paloheimo proposes two key strategies for global change. The first is "first aid." The second, "user (consumer) healthcare," addresses the need to design products that function properly and to plan new, sustainable cities, moving beyond current unsustainable production practices.

"A Billion Stuffed, A Billion Starved" was a talk by Eric Holt-Gimenez, Executive Director of