Title: TASK: Affected Minority Groups? Let's Listen to Indigenous Activists
Course: GG 22/23 Leuphana-Copy > Section: 2.6 Environmental // Justice

One group most affected by climate injustice and environmental racism are indigenous people in the U.S. and around the world. Let’s take a look at two activists.

In this activity, we will meet Sherri Mitchell, an Indigenous rights lawyer and activist who has fought for environmental justice for more than 25 years. Mitchell was born and raised in the Penobscot Nation, a federally-recognized native tribe in Maine.

"Environmental justice is a term that is thrown around quite frequently. And I think that a lot of people have this idea that it's this separate component that people need to be working on. But for us, environmental justice is really about harmonized relationship, what we call Psilde N’dilnabamuk. It's about living in kinship with the rest of creation, with all life. So we understand that we have a certain responsibility to honor the right, that all other living beings have to continue to exist, uninhibited, unmolested in their natural environment, just as we do in ours." — environmental lawyer Sherri Mitchell

1. Watch the video, take notes and answer the questions below:

© Source: NowThis News
- What does environmental justice mean to indigenous people and in what terms does it differ from the mainstream view?
- What solution does Sherri Mitchell suggest to address indigenous environmental issues?
- Why does Sherri Mitchell suggest that indigenous issues should be of concern to everyone and should not remain for indigenous communities alone to solve?

And now, let us meet Mikayla Johnson, an indigenous activist who is advocating for environmental justice. Native American activists are facing challenges in sustaining a safe environment in their communities. Mikayla Johnson is a member of the Diné Tribe in Black Mesa, AZ. Mikayla Johnson's community is located approximately 1 mile from the Navajo Generating Station, one of the nation's largest coal plants. Mikayla, who grew up without running water or electricity, has been persistent in her water conservation efforts. Additionally, she and her mother Nicole Horseherder are advocating for 100% renewable energy in their community.

2. Watch the video and answer the questions below:

© Source: NowThis News
- "Everything that I am, there is a lot that is against me [in this country]. " What does Mikayla mean? Support your answer with examples from the video.
- What did Nicole and Mikayla do to advocate for environmental justice? How did they inspire people around them to change their mindset?

Hint: You can turn on the subtitles by clicking on the appropriate button at the bottom right corner of the video