How do we truly achieve sustainability when the world’s original caretakers of land and water remain excluded from decision-making? This Climate Week NYC conversation centers Indigenous frameworks—reciprocity, community governance, and ecological balance—as living systems of relationship and responsibility that both meet and extend the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ll spotlight Indigenous-led solutions—from defending rivers and sacred lands to advancing food sovereignty, Rights of Nature, and youth-led cultural revitalization—and invite participants into concrete pathways for action, funding, and solidarity.

Featured SDG linkages:
• SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation): Indigenous water protection and guardianship
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in adaptation and resistance
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Land Back, rematriation, and biodiversity protection
• SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being): Indigenous food systems and healing practices
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and rights
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions): Treaty rights and Indigenous governance

You’ll leave with: concrete actions to support Indigenous-led campaigns; a deeper understanding of how Indigenous law and governance align with and surpass SDG targets; and ways to resource youth leadership and community care.

Speakers

• Dr. Crystal Cavalier-Keck — CEO/ED, 7 Directions of Service; Co-Founder, MMIW NC Coalition. Focus: Indigenous sovereignty, Rights of Nature, climate action.

• Knellee Bisram, M.A. — Lead NGO Representative to the UN for AHAM Education; former international relations consultant. Focus: Bridging UN frameworks with Indigenous law and holistic sustainability.

• Brenna Yellowthunder — Keep It In the Ground Lead Coordinator, Indigenous Environmental Network. Focus: Youth perspectives on the SDGs and Indigenous futures.

• Alexander Easdale — Executive Director, Southeast Climate & Energy Network (SCEN). Focus: Global solidarity and movement building.