Tangible ways to support Turtle Island communities

Building Bridges, Not Walls: Tangible Pathways to Support Turtle Island Communities

For centuries, the Indigenous peoples of North America, collectively known as Turtle Island, have faced systemic oppression, land dispossession, and cultural erosion. Yet, their resilience, wisdom, and deep connection to the land endure. As conversations about reconciliation and decolonization gain momentum, a crucial question emerges for non-Indigenous allies: how can we move beyond performative gestures and offer truly tangible, impactful support to Turtle Island communities? This article delves into actionable strategies, emphasizing Indigenous-led initiatives and the vital importance of respectful, sustained engagement.

1. Centering Land Back and Treaty Fulfillment: The Foundation of Justice

At the core of Indigenous sovereignty lies the principle of Land Back. This is not merely about returning parcels of land, but about restoring Indigenous jurisdiction, stewardship, and the right to self-determination over traditional territories. It acknowledges that the land was never ceded and that Indigenous peoples are the rightful caretakers.

Tangible Actions:

• Support Indigenous-led Land Trusts and Conservancies: Many Indigenous nations and organizations are actively working to reacquire and manage their ancestral lands. Research and donate to groups like the Nisqually Land Trust (working with the Nisqually Tribe) or the Indian Land Tenure Foundation, which facilitates land return.
• Advocate for Treaty Fulfillment: Understand the treaties in your region and demand that governments uphold their legal and moral obligations. This includes advocating for resource sharing, land rights, and self-governance as outlined in historical agreements.
• Pay Land Rent/Territory Acknowledgements with Action: While land acknowledgements are a start, they must be coupled with tangible action. Consider donating a portion of your income or business profits as "land rent" to local Indigenous nations or community funds. This financial contribution acknowledges the ongoing occupation of their land and supports their current initiatives. Research local Indigenous-led organizations that accept such contributions.
• Pressure Governments for Land Return: Write to elected officials, participate in peaceful demonstrations, and support legal challenges aimed at returning public lands to Indigenous stewardship. Advocate for the creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) which are Indigenous-led conservation efforts recognized by governments. These areas are not just about environmental protection, but about cultural preservation and the affirmation of Indigenous rights.

As Ta’Kaiya Blaney, a Sliammon First Nation youth, powerfully states, "Land Back is not a radical concept; it is a return to balance." Supporting Land Back initiatives is arguably the most profound and fundamental way to address historical injustices and foster a sustainable future for all.

2. Economic Empowerment: Investing in Indigenous Prosperity

Economic self-sufficiency is a cornerstone of self-determination. Indigenous communities often face significant economic disparities due to historical policies that disrupted traditional economies and created barriers to wealth generation. Supporting Indigenous businesses and economic initiatives directly contributes to community well-being and allows Indigenous peoples to build prosperity on their own terms.

Tangible Actions:

• Buy Indigenous-Made Products and Services: Prioritize purchasing from Indigenous artists, craftspeople, designers, and businesses. This circulates wealth within Indigenous communities, supports cultural preservation through traditional arts, and empowers entrepreneurs. Websites like Shop Indigenous, Beyond Buckskin, or local Indigenous markets are excellent starting points. Always verify the authenticity of Indigenous products to avoid cultural appropriation.
• Ethical Tourism: If visiting Indigenous communities or territories, choose Indigenous-owned and operated tour companies and accommodations. Engage with cultural experiences respectfully, seeking permission where appropriate, and always compensating for services. Avoid "poverty tourism" or exploitative practices.
• Support Indigenous-Owned Financial Institutions: Where available, consider banking with or investing in Indigenous-owned credit unions or financial corporations that specifically aim to support Indigenous economic development.
• Invest in Indigenous Enterprises: For those with investment capacity, seek out Indigenous-owned businesses and startups. Many Indigenous economic development corporations are looking for ethical investors who understand and respect Indigenous values and long-term community goals.
• Advocate for Fair Trade and Resource Sharing: Pressure corporations operating on or near Indigenous territories to engage in equitable benefit-sharing agreements and responsible environmental practices. Support Indigenous-led campaigns against resource extraction projects that lack free, prior, and informed consent.

3. Environmental Stewardship and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)

Indigenous peoples have been stewards of Turtle Island for millennia, developing sophisticated Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) that offers invaluable insights into sustainable living and biodiversity conservation. Supporting their leadership in environmental protection is crucial for the planet and for their cultural survival.

Tangible Actions:

• Support Indigenous-Led Conservation Efforts: Donate to and advocate for organizations like the Indigenous Environmental Network or local Indigenous land and water protector groups. These groups are often on the front lines of defending vital ecosystems against industrial exploitation.
• Amplify Indigenous Voices on Climate Change: Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by climate change and often offer innovative, holistic solutions rooted in TEK. Listen to and share their perspectives in public discourse and advocate for policies that incorporate their knowledge.
• Learn About and Respect TEK: Educate yourself on the principles of TEK and advocate for its inclusion in mainstream environmental policy and education. Understand that this knowledge is sacred and should not be appropriated or exploited.
• Participate in Indigenous-Led Clean-up or Restoration Projects: If invited, offer your labor and support to community-led initiatives for land and water restoration on Indigenous territories.

"Indigenous peoples manage or hold tenure to 25% of the world’s land, which overlaps with 80% of the world’s biodiversity," according to the World Bank. This statistic alone underscores the critical role Indigenous communities play in global environmental health, making their leadership indispensable.

4. Cultural Revitalization and Education: Preserving Identity and Wisdom

Colonial policies actively sought to suppress Indigenous languages, spiritual practices, and cultural expressions. Supporting revitalization efforts is essential for healing historical trauma and ensuring the continuity of rich cultural heritages.

Tangible Actions:

• Support Indigenous Language Programs: Many Indigenous languages are critically endangered. Donate to or volunteer with Indigenous-led language immersion schools, online resources, and cultural centers working to revitalize languages like Lakota, Cree, or Ojibwe.
• Fund Indigenous Arts and Cultural Centers: These centers are vital hubs for teaching traditional crafts, music, dance, and storytelling, connecting younger generations to their heritage. Attend Indigenous cultural events and purchase tickets if applicable.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Go beyond surface-level history. Read books by Indigenous authors, listen to Indigenous podcasts, and watch documentaries that offer authentic perspectives. Challenge misinformation and colonial narratives in your own circles. Understand the true history of residential schools/boarding schools and their ongoing impact.
• Advocate for Accurate Indigenous History in Schools: Support efforts to reform curricula to include comprehensive and accurate Indigenous history, perspectives, and contemporary issues.

5. Political Advocacy and Allyship: Amplifying Voices, Demanding Justice

Effective allyship involves using one’s own privilege to amplify Indigenous voices and advocate for their rights within political and legal systems.

Tangible Actions:

• Support Indigenous Political Candidates and Advocacy Groups: Research and donate to Indigenous-led political campaigns and organizations like the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) or the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) that advocate for Indigenous rights at local, national, and international levels.
• Write to Elected Officials: Express your support for Indigenous self-determination, treaty rights, land claims, and policies that address systemic inequities in health, education, and justice.
• Understand and Advocate for UNDRIP: Familiarize yourself with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and advocate for its full implementation by your government. This declaration provides a framework for the minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of the Indigenous peoples of the world.
• Show Up in Solidarity: When invited by Indigenous communities, participate in peaceful protests, rallies, and public forums that address issues important to them. Always ensure your presence is supportive and not overshadowing Indigenous leadership.
• Challenge Racism and Discrimination: Actively confront anti-Indigenous racism, stereotypes, and microaggressions in your daily life, workplaces, and social circles.

6. Health, Healing, and Food Security: Addressing Disparities

Generations of colonial policies have led to significant health disparities and food insecurity in many Indigenous communities. Supporting initiatives that promote wellness and access to traditional foods is critical.

Tangible Actions:

• Support Indigenous-Led Health Initiatives: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that provide culturally relevant health services, mental health support, and traditional healing practices within Indigenous communities.
• Contribute to Food Sovereignty Projects: Many communities are reviving traditional food systems through community gardens, hunting/fishing initiatives, and farmer’s markets that provide healthy, culturally appropriate foods. Support these efforts financially or through volunteer work if appropriate.
• Advocate for Equitable Healthcare Access: Pressure governments to adequately fund and support healthcare services in Indigenous communities, recognizing the unique challenges and historical trauma that impact health outcomes.
• Support Initiatives Addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+): Donate to organizations working to end this crisis, support affected families, and advocate for justice and safety for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals.

The Path Forward: Listening, Learning, and Long-Term Commitment

Tangible support for Turtle Island communities is not a one-time donation or a fleeting act of solidarity. It requires a sustained commitment to learning, listening, and actively working towards justice. Non-Indigenous allies must approach this work with humility, recognizing that Indigenous peoples are the experts on their own needs and solutions. The goal is to uplift and empower Indigenous self-determination, not to "save" or dictate.

By focusing on Land Back, economic empowerment, environmental stewardship, cultural revitalization, political advocacy, and health initiatives – all led by Indigenous communities themselves – we can move towards a future built on respect, equity, and genuine reconciliation. The future of Turtle Island, and indeed the planet, depends on it.