NEW YORK CITY, New York (April 25, 2017) – Indigenous women around the world are impacted first and worst by the effects of environmental destruction and a rapidly changing climate. Their disproportionate vulnerability is the result of a dangerous intersection of colonialism, racism and patriarchy. However despite all odds and against great challenges, it is these very same Indigenous women who are rising up, challenging the status quo, holding a vision, and taking action to build the vital solutions needed for a just and livable future for everyone. 

 

Press and media are invited to join the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network and frontline Indigenous women leaders for ‘Indigenous Women Protecting Earth, Rights and Communities’, a free, public event to be presented in parallel to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

 

WHAT: Indigenous Women Protecting Earth, Rights and Communities

 

WHEN: Wednesday April 26th, 2017 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm

 

WHERE: United Nations Church Center - 777 United Nations Plaza #8g, New York, NY 10017

 

WHO: Speakers to date include…

 

• Casey Camp Horinek (Ponca; Ponca Nation Council-Woman, WECAN Advisory Council Member, USA)

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• Kandi Mossett (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara; Lead Organizer on the Extreme Energy & Just Transition Campaign with the Indigenous Environmental Network, USA)

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• Lucy Mulenkei (Maasai; Executive Director of the Indigenous Information Network, Kenya)

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• Betty Lyons (Onondaga; President and Executive Director of the American Indian Law Alliance, USA)

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• Michelle Cook (Diné; human rights lawyer and founding member of the of the Water Protector Legal Collective at Standing Rock, USA)

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• Heather Milton Lightening (Pasqua First Nation, Cree, Anishinabe, Blackfoot and Dakota; Indigenous Tar Sands Campaigner with Polaris Institute, Canada)

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• Alina Saba (Limbu; Nepal Policy Center, Nepal)