Wisdom Keepers - Indigenous Action at the UNFCCC

The Wisdom Keeper’s Delegation is made up of incredible indigenous activists from throughout the world. Led by Jacob Johns and Sheelah Bearfoot, this group is enhancing indigenous inclusion in climate policy internationally, and within their own countries. This includes respecting traditional knowledge and practice in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts as well as implementing Free, Prior and Informed Consent by Indigenous Peoples throughout the world when it comes to climate projects and development. Here is the policy document for the UN Climate Negotiations, COP28, which was held in Dubai in November of 2023. 

Wisdom Keeper Delegation from COP28

In early 2024, the delegation will meet during the Gathering of the Eagles, in the Lummi Nation to ground ourselves in the work and deepen our relationships with one another. After that, our preparations for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan in November of 2024 will begin! I support this amazing delegation in a few ways. First, I identify opportunities for accreditation so these individuals can participate in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP). Secondly, I work closely with international colleagues to help promote this policy platform as well as identify speaking and policy maker engagement activities. Finally, I provide advice on how to engage in the space and who to connect with as I have worked in the UNFCCC spaces for over a decade now, starting as a youth delegate when I was 21. This delegation is innovative, serves as thought leaders, and understands the system change needed to tackle the climate crisis. Indigenous perspectives must be integrated into decision making across the board, and not seen as an afterthought. This is the group that will make that happen. 

Do you want to support the delegation? You can sign up to receive more information on the Wisdom Keeper’s website, you can give a financial gift today here (it says COP28, but the money will go to the right place), follow them on instagram here, offer opportunities for the delegation to speak to your community or be part of crucial policy conversations, or if you have access to accreditation for COP29 please contact me on my website!! I am so proud to be working with these folks, and I am excited for you to get involved too!