🌍 Climate Justice & Indigenous Knowledge

Unit 5: Global Indigenous Solidarity

Creative Environmental Science Level 5-6 60-75 min

"Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua ko au."

I am the land, and the land is me. - Understanding the deep connection between Indigenous peoples and climate justice

🌱 Why Indigenous Knowledge Matters for Climate Change

The Facts:

  • Indigenous peoples manage 22% of Earth's land but protect 80% of its biodiversity
  • Traditional ecological knowledge spans thousands of years of sustainable land management
  • Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by climate change
  • Western science is increasingly recognizing the value of Indigenous environmental practices

🌊 Real Example: Māori kaitiakitanga (guardianship) principles have protected waterways and fisheries in Aotearoa for centuries. The Whanganui River was granted legal personhood in 2017, recognizing the Indigenous understanding that rivers are living ancestors.

🌏 Global Indigenous Climate Leaders

🇧🇷 Amazon Rainforest

The Challenge: Deforestation

Indigenous Action: Indigenous guards protect millions of hectares using traditional knowledge

🇺🇸 Standing Rock

The Challenge: Water contamination

Indigenous Action: "Water is Life" movement against pipelines

🇦🇺 Australia

The Challenge: Bushfires

Indigenous Action: Cultural burning practices reduce wildfire risk

🇳🇿 Aotearoa

The Challenge: Marine protection

Indigenous Action: Rāhui (customary bans) restore fish populations

🇨🇦 Arctic

The Challenge: Ice melt

Indigenous Action: Inuit knowledge tracks climate change impacts

🌊 Pacific

The Challenge: Sea level rise

Indigenous Action: Pacific nations lead climate justice advocacy

📝 Planning Your Poster

Your poster should include:

1. Title & Focus Issue

What specific climate issue are you focusing on?

Examples: Water protection, biodiversity, deforestation, sustainable fishing, climate refugees

2. Indigenous People/Nation

Which Indigenous group's knowledge are you highlighting?

3. Traditional Knowledge

What traditional practices or wisdom address this issue?

4. The Science Connection

How does modern science support or validate this Indigenous knowledge?

5. Why It Matters Today

How can this knowledge help solve current climate challenges?

6. Call to Action

What can people do to support Indigenous-led climate solutions?

🎨 Your Poster Design Space

Design Tips:

  • Use large, readable text for your title
  • Include powerful images or drawings
  • Use bullet points for key facts
  • Add statistics or data to strengthen your message
  • Include Indigenous language words (with translations)
  • Use earth tones and culturally appropriate colors

POSTER DESIGN CANVAS
Create your climate justice poster here!
(Use additional paper if needed)

🤔 Reflection Questions

1. What surprised you most about Indigenous climate knowledge?



2. Why do you think Indigenous voices are often excluded from climate discussions?



3. How can we better support Indigenous-led climate solutions?



4. What connections do you see between kaitiakitanga and global climate action?



🌟 Extension: Climate Justice Action Plan

Take your learning further:

Local Action Ideas:

  • ☐ Research Indigenous climate initiatives in Aotearoa
  • ☐ Learn about local rāhui and conservation efforts
  • ☐ Interview kaumātua about environmental changes they've observed
  • ☐ Support Māori-led environmental organizations
  • ☐ Practice kaitiakitanga in your school or community
  • ☐ Present your poster at a school assembly or community event

👩‍🏫 Teacher Notes

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding of Indigenous climate leadership and knowledge
  • Recognition of the intersection between social justice and climate justice
  • Critical thinking about whose voices are centered in climate discussions
  • Visual communication and design skills
  • Connection between mātauranga Māori and global Indigenous movements

Cross-Curricular Links:

  • Science: Ecology, climate science, traditional ecological knowledge
  • Social Studies: Indigenous rights, environmental justice, global citizenship
  • Arts: Visual design, persuasive communication
  • Te Ao Māori: Kaitiakitanga, whakapapa, tikanga

Assessment Criteria:

  • Accuracy and depth of research on Indigenous climate knowledge
  • Clear communication of key concepts
  • Visual design and impact
  • Thoughtful reflection on climate justice themes
  • Respect and authenticity in representing Indigenous knowledge

Extension Ideas:

  • Host a "Climate Justice Gallery Walk" with all student posters
  • Invite local kaitiaki or environmental leaders to speak
  • Create digital versions to share on social media (with appropriate permissions)
  • Research and present on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples