The debate on paying Indigenous climate activists

At the intersection of climate advocacy and economic fairness, Indigenous activists like Big Wind offer crucial, unpaid labor to protect the environment, raising questions about compensation and sustainability.

Taylar Dawn Stagner reports for Grist.

In short:

Indigenous activists contribute significantly to environmental protection without financial compensation, exemplified by Big Wind's experience at climate resistance camps and international conferences.
The discussion on compensating this "earthwork" includes suggestions for wages and enhanced tribal sovereignty, underlining the economic invisibility of such essential labor.
Academics and advocates argue that recognizing and compensating Indigenous climate labor could lead to more equitable environmental stewardship and stronger alliances between conservationists and labor movements.

Key quote:

"I don’t think money is going to solve it. But I also feel like we do have a responsibility to ensure that we are taking care of the people who are working for all of us."

— Big Wind, climate activist and member of the Northern Arapaho tribe

Why this matters:

Indigenous communities have long been at the forefront of environmental protection, leveraging traditional knowledge and practices that have safeguarded ecosystems for centuries. Their contributions are vast, encompassing the stewardship of forests, watersheds, and biodiversity hotspots. These efforts not only preserve their way of life but also offer critical insights and solutions to some of the most pressing global environmental challenges, including climate change and biodiversity loss.

Be sure to read Brian Bienkowski’s2016 article: From the Sioux to the Sault: Standing Rock spirit spreads to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

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Credit: Brad Switzer/Unsplash

Tribes exit pipeline negotiations in Michigan over lack of consultation

Seven Indigenous nations in Michigan have walked away from federal talks over a proposed oil pipeline tunnel, citing a lack of meaningful engagement and treaty violations.

Izzy Ross reports for Grist and Interlochen Public Radio.

In short:

The tribes oppose Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project, which would replace part of a 72-year-old pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac, a critical freshwater corridor between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
Their withdrawal follows the Army Corps of Engineers’ move to fast-track permitting under President Trump’s energy emergency order, which tribes say dismisses their environmental and legal concerns.
Tribal leaders and legal advocates argue that the project threatens water resources and violates both U.S. treaty obligations and international law requiring Indigenous consent.

Key quote:

“Tribal Nations are no longer willing to expend their time and resources as Cooperating Agencies just so their participation may be used by the Corps to lend credibility to a flawed [Environmental Impact Statement] process and document.”

— Letter from seven Indigenous nations to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Why this matters:

Buried beneath the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron converge, Line 5 has become a flashpoint in the battle over fossil fuel infrastructure, Indigenous sovereignty, and environmental protection. The aging oil and gas pipeline — operated by Canadian energy giant Enbridge — moves millions of gallons of crude and natural gas liquids daily through a region that holds 20% of the planet’s surface freshwater. A proposed tunnel to house a replacement segment beneath the lakebed has drawn fierce opposition from tribal nations, who warn it risks catastrophic spills and continued desecration of sacred territory.

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The debate on paying Indigenous climate activists

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