The "Women for Climate Justice Leading Protection of Water" event, a formal side event of the UN Water Conference in New York City, addressed climate change impacts on global water. Grassroots

The "Women for Climate Justice Leading Protection of Water" event, a formal side event of the UN Water Conference in New York City, addressed climate change impacts on global water. Grassroots leaders, water protectors, and international policy experts shared solutions and strategies for protecting aquatic ecosystems within a climate justice framework.

WECAN submitted a commitment and released a Call to Action, urging governments to improve water protection through a rights-based approach and by ensuring women's leadership. Read the Call to Action here. Additional event links and resources are available here.

The first Igniting the Fire Gathering, initiated by Elder Dave Courchene, occurred in 2006 at Manitou Api, a sacred site in Manitoba's Whiteshell Provincial Park. This event, featuring Elders

The first Igniting the Fire Gathering, initiated by Elder Dave Courchene, occurred in 2006 at Manitou Api, a sacred site in Manitoba's Whiteshell Provincial Park. This event, featuring Elders Robin Greene and Don Cardinal, reunited Original Peoples, with turtles symbolizing new life and Indigenous rebirth.

Now an annual event by Turtle Lodge, Igniting the Fire is open to all cultures, bringing nations to Manitou Api to share knowledge and ceremonies, with Elders transferring wisdom to youth. Attendance grew from 350 in 2006. Documentaries, including *The 8th Fire* (www.the8thfire.org), have featured the event. For more, visit Igniting the Fire or Dave Courchene Jr.

WECAN is excited to announce the new Ponca Earthen Lodge Project for Food Sovereignty in Ponca Nation, Oklahoma. This vital initiative, led by Indigenous Ponca elder Casey Camp-Horinek and the

WECAN is excited to announce the new Ponca Earthen Lodge Project for Food Sovereignty in Ponca Nation, Oklahoma. This vital initiative, led by Indigenous Ponca elder Casey Camp-Horinek and the Women's Society, addresses the escalating climate crisis and severe fossil fuel pollution impacting the region.

The traditional Earthen Lodge will provide a safe haven during extreme weather and climate disasters. It will also offer space to grow and store traditional foods using generational Indigenous knowledge, support cultural ceremonies, and address rising domestic violence.

Stay updated and learn more about the program here: https://wecaninternational.org/earthen-lodge-project

The "Reconciling Ways of Knowing Series, Dialogue 3: Braiding Ways of Knowing" featured Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of *Braiding Sweetgrass*, in conversation with Dr. Nancy Turner. They

The "Reconciling Ways of Knowing Series, Dialogue 3: Braiding Ways of Knowing" featured Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of *Braiding Sweetgrass*, in conversation with Dr. Nancy Turner. They explored how Indigenous and scientific ways of knowing can be integrated, drawing from Dr. Kimmerer's work on traditional ecological knowledge and moss ecology.

Project founders Miles Richardson, Dr. David Suzuki, and Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Jr. joined the discussion. They connected Dr. Kimmerer's insights to the project's objective: building better relationships across diverse knowledge systems and achieving improved stewardship outcomes.

For more information, visit waysofknowingforum.ca/dialogue3 and turtlelodge.org.

Dialogue 7 of "Reconciling Ways of Knowing," titled "Connecting Spiritually with the Land and Each Other," featured Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Grandmother Katherine Whitecloud, and Dr. Blair

Dialogue 7 of "Reconciling Ways of Knowing," titled "Connecting Spiritually with the Land and Each Other," featured Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Grandmother Katherine Whitecloud, and Dr. Blair Stonechild, moderated by Shaunna Morgan Siegers, MSc. They discussed the essential spiritual connection between people and the land, a foundational Indigenous understanding often absent from dominant worldviews influencing Canadian environmental policy.

This session explored the fundamental connection to the world and each other, emphasizing its spiritual dimension for Indigenous Peoples, maintained through ceremonies. Convenors Miles Richardson, OC, Dr. David Suzuki, and Dr. Nancy Turner later shared insights, followed by audience Q&A. The dialogue originally aired on Tuesday, January 26.

The Anishinaabe Seven Sacred Laws, shared by Elder Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dr. Dave Courchene), form the foundation of life and connection to Spirit and land. Represented by seven animals, these laws

The Anishinaabe Seven Sacred Laws, shared by Elder Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dr. Dave Courchene), form the foundation of life and connection to Spirit and land. Represented by seven animals, these laws offer guidance for living on Mother Earth, fostering a vision of hope rooted in kindness and values.

Each animal embodies a specific teaching: the Buffalo for Respect, Eagle for Love, Bear for Courage, Sabé for Honesty, Beaver for Wisdom, Wolf for Humility, and Turtle for Truth. These principles guide us to live from the heart, use our gifts for community, and honor our interconnectedness.

By embracing these Sacred Laws, we align with nature, achieve true freedom, and receive the full support of the universe and Earth.

For over a decade, the climate justice movement has fought major Midwest oil pipelines, including Keystone XL and Dakota Access, through grassroots resistance and legal actions.

With the

For over a decade, the climate justice movement has fought major Midwest oil pipelines, including Keystone XL and Dakota Access, through grassroots resistance and legal actions.

With the new Biden-Harris administration prioritizing climate, activists are gearing up to pressure them to match their words with deeds.

Presenters for this discussion are Joye Braun of the Indigenous Environmental Network and Jane Kleeb of Bold Nebraska and Bold Alliance.

The American Southwest grapples with complex water issues, from prolonged drought to flash floods, prompting questions about water rights, equitable sharing, and diverse cultural

The American Southwest grapples with complex water issues, from prolonged drought to flash floods, prompting questions about water rights, equitable sharing, and diverse cultural perspectives.

Join the Natural History Institute for an in-person screening of the "Parched" documentary, featuring comments from curator Julie Comnick and producer Jane Marks. The film chronicles the creation of the "Parched: The Art of Water in the Southwest" exhibit.

This exhibit explores water complexities amid climate change and increasing demands. Nine regional artists, guided by scientists and advocates, spent a year creating original art pieces that reflect the conflicting demands on water for agriculture, recreation, households, and nature.

The "Reconciling Ways of Knowing Series, Dialogue 1: 'Why Reconciling Ways of Knowing?'" originally streamed on July 27, 2020. Moderated by Valérie Courtois, this dialogue featured Miles

The "Reconciling Ways of Knowing Series, Dialogue 1: 'Why Reconciling Ways of Knowing?'" originally streamed on July 27, 2020. Moderated by Valérie Courtois, this dialogue featured Miles Richardson, O.C., Dr. David Suzuki, Dr. Nancy Turner, and Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Jr.

They explored the critical need for reconciliation between Indigenous and Western scientific ways of knowing and being. This national-scale dialogue highlighted how such reconciliation is essential for addressing growing stewardship challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and navigating post-COVID-19 impacts.

For more information, visit waysofknowingforum.ca/dialogue1 and turtlelodge.org.

On July 27, 2012, we sadly announce the passing of Grandfather/Maestro Tlakaelel (Francisco Jimenez Sanchez), a revered Mexica-Tolteca Elder, teacher, guide, and guardian of oral traditions. More

On July 27, 2012, we sadly announce the passing of Grandfather/Maestro Tlakaelel (Francisco Jimenez Sanchez), a revered Mexica-Tolteca Elder, teacher, guide, and guardian of oral traditions. More information is available from the SEED Institute.

Tlakaelel lived into his 90s, dedicating his life to learning, teaching, and honoring ancient traditions. He generously shared his profound knowledge with both Indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

We are profoundly grateful for his life and enduring legacy. He will be honored at the upcoming Wisdom from the Origins Conference, September 13-17, 2012, in Albuquerque, NM.