Indigenous Peoples' Rights Discourse: Toward Hemispheric Indigenous Climate and Environmental Justice

In the face of global climate change, Indigenous communities around the world have increasingly gained recognition as significant actors in the fight for environmental justice and sustainability. This paper endeavors to explore the intersection of Indigenous Peoples’ worldviews and environmental stewardship, while gesturing toward international policies rooted in both state apparatus and in indigenous grassroots efforts. Collectively, this work seeks to illuminate the action, implementation, and community work done by Indigenous Peoples that Hernandez [Binnizá & Maya Ch’orti’] (2022) calls for when approaching indigenous environmental and climate justice, “justice that incorporates cultural norms, values, and principles.” In doing so, we present hemispheric case examples of Indigenous Peoples reclaiming environmental and cultural identities in the United States, Guatemala, and Garifuna. The case study of Indigenous fire stewardship in what is now known as California (USA) provides insight into applications of international Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Discourses to argue for more inclusive approaches in what we conceptualize as “Indigenous fire justice.” Case studies in Honduras and Garifuna underscore the success and failure of acknowledging Indigenous voices and perspectives in climate change discussions and policymaking that reflect the unique needs, cultural identities, and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples. Collectively, this scholarship uplifts hemispheric, Indigenous environmental stewardship as examples to illustrate the power of Indigenous approaches in addressing issues concerning climate change, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. By learning from and highlighting the work of Indigenous Peoples, recognizing our/their invaluable contributions worldwide, we can forge a more just and sustainable path forward in the global response to climate change.