Indigenous Peoples play a key factor in the protection of the environment. They are actively fighting against harmful practices like deforestation and pollution on sacred land. Here are seven ways in which you can help Indigenous People fight for their rights and our planet.

1. Donate to Indigenous organizations

Cultural Survival is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping Indigenous communities around the world. With this organization, you can be sure that your donation is going directly to supporting grassroots Indigenous community movements as they fight for the rights to their land and cultures. Click here to be brought to their ‘donate’ page.

2. Educate yourself about Indigenous cultures

Finding accurate information nowadays can be difficult, so make sure to get information about Indigenous Peoples right from the source. Check out the news sections of these websites of reputable Indigenous-led organizations to learn about current Indigenous affairs:

• Cultural Survival

• International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs

• Survival International 

• Minority Rights Group International

3. Shop from Indigenous-founded businesses

Another way to directly support Indigenous Peoples is through purchasing their products online. Here are a few sustainable Indigenous companies to support: 

• Cheekbone Beauty for cruelty-free cosmetics and beauty products

• Sḵwálwen for botanical skincare products based on Indigenous science and self-care rituals

• Urban Native Era for clothing made by sustainable practices

• B. Yellowtail Collective for handmade goods and accessories created by Native American artists

• She Native for handmade jewelry created using Indigenous techniques

4. Attend Indigenous events, seminars, and workshops

Many Indigenous organizations hold events open to the public to get people involved and more informed about Indigenous Peoples. For example, watch these recorded webinars from the National Museum of the American Indian to learn about different Indigenous topics. Keep an eye out for any events in your area!

5. Volunteer or intern with Indigenous organizations

If you have a skill that might be useful to an Indigenous organization (foreign language, article writing, programming, etc), why not support a good cause and intern or volunteer? For example, I interned at Cultural Survival, but many Indigenous organizations also have volunteer opportunities available! You can also research ways to support Indigenous Peoples in your community.

6. Support Indigenous rights public policy

Making your voice heard in politics, both at a local and national level, is incredibly important. Here are just a few petitions to sign to support Indigenous causes:

• Clean water for Indigenous communities drinking from the Great Lakes Basin

• Demand Congress support indigenous communities by passing the Not Invisible Act

• Good Relations Pledge

7. Spread the word on social media!

In today’s society, social media has a lot of reach. Supporting Indigenous creators on different platforms is a great way to support and learn about Indigenous communities. On the internet, everyone has influence so make sure to spread the word about Indigenous rights. 

• Podcast: Let’s Talk Native with John Kane

• Instagram: Brazilian Indigenous climate activist Txai Suruí: @txaisurui

• Twitter: Indigenous revitalization informative account: @IndigenousTweets

• YouTube: Native American educator and influencer Diana Onco-Ingyadet

• TikTok: Navajo social justice activist Lance Tsosie: @modern_warrior__

• Bonus source: Cultural Survival’s Indigenous Rights Radio (check out the ‘Climate Change and the Environment’ section!)