The Green New Deal is picking up steam, and organizations like the Leap are making it an election issue this fall. Most Green New Deal proposals state a desire to honour treaties and Indigenous sovereignty. But how do we turn this rhetoric into action? How should Indigenous land and water defenders interact with the Green New Deal?

Briarpatch Magazine presents a panel discussion about Indigenous rights and the Green New Deal.

Panellists:

Emily Riddle is nehiyaw from the Alexander First Nation in Treaty 6 territory, but currently lives on the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. She is a researcher, writer, and policy analyst, and sits on the board of advisors for the Yellowhead Institute.

Brooks Arcand-Paul is a nehiyaw napew (Cree) from kipohtakaw (Alexander First Nation) in Treaty 6 territory, a treaty which was adhered to by kitâniskocâpân catchistahwayskum (his great-great-grandfather) at Fort Edmonton. Brooks is a litigator whose practice includes Aboriginal, employment and corporate/commercial law, with particular expertise in First Nations matters. Brooks is a practicing lawyer and a director of the Indigenous Bar Association, an association that represents over 300 Indigenous lawyers, judges, academics, and students.

Nigel Henri Robinson is a Dene comedian, writer, filmmaker, land defender, and community leader from Cold Lake First Nations. He works with Beaver Hills Warriors, and Acimowin, an Indigenous music and news show.

Eriel Tchekwie Deranger is the executive director of Indigenous Climate Action. A member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), Deranger has a far reaching reputation for challenging fossil fuel development and championing the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Free event. The space is wheelchair accessible, and has non-gendered bathrooms.