Although we are individually unique, the tie that binds Indigenous youth across the world is our interconnectedness with the Earth. As the original and free peoples of our homelands, we have the right to survive as distinct nations and peoples into the future, and only through a process of free, prior, and informed consent may the governing powers of our lands be shared.

 

Unfortunately, as Indigenous youth, we are not recognized by such initiatives, nor guaranteed our basic fundamental rights under international law. Presently, multi-billion dollar corporations are destroying our homelands. Our traditional dietary meals are being transformed into substances unrecognizable by nature. Our traditions and languages are disappearing with every loss of an elder within an Indigenous community. As these transformations take place, the Earth is shifting into a destructive state as a result of climate change, notably impacting Indigenous peoples at the frontlines as they continue to defend their lands. These issues affect Indigenous youth emotionally, physically and spiritually in ways such as loss of self-identity, unhealthy eating habits, and loss of our relationship to our homelands. Still, there is hope within our ability to collectively stand up for the future of our nations and peoples.

 

An example of empowerment for our youth is happening currently with the destruction of the pinon pine nut trees within the Great Basin region of North America. This area is home to the Indigenous nations of the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe - also known as the Numu, Newe, and Washi'shu. Traditional picking and gathering areas in the Great Basin are being destroyed, by the United States Forest Service, for the use of ranching and consequently creating an environment for the greater sage grouse bi-state bird to rehabilitate. The pinion pines and juniper trees are predominantly viewed as an invasive species, encroaching into the sage grouse habitat. However, this perspective is incorrect because, in reality, these trees have been growing within that ecosystem since time immemorial - proof is in the traditional knowledge of the Indigenous peoples of the land. The destruction of these areas causes more concern with the elders of the nations. Not only are these areas used for gathering pine nuts, but also for hunting, fishing, and socializing with other surrounding groups. The ancestors of these peoples would traditionally travel from far distances such as present-day Oregon, Idaho, California, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico; stories, languages, songs and prayers were shared amongst the people during the fall and spring harvests. Today, our peoples still offer prayers to the lands for providing these fruits of nature to nurture us. Moreover, these areas have several other cultural aspects of the peoples, such as the ancient grinding stone rocks, a traditional tool used to grind seeds and nuts in order to make traditional meals, which are being exposed to theft and collectors. What seems to be a small example of destruction of the homelands of some Indigenous peoples is, in fact, a massive invasion and degradation of the traditional aspects of the life ways of these nations and peoples.

 

Actions by invaders have impeded upon the peoples' rights to practice several of their cultural traditions. There are repercussions to this type of degradation, such as people losing their traditional staple of food, destruction of sacred sites, and loss of languages through stories, songs and prayers. In some intentional manners, the U.S. Forest Service continues to proceed with the clear cutting of the pinon pine nut trees.

 

In effect, Indigenous peoples are determined to implement a cease and desist order to the U.S. Forest Service. Several individuals have attended meetings with government officials as an approach to express their traditional knowledge and share their concerns for the loss of the pinon pine nut trees. With the help of Indigenous youth, and their capability in solidarity to utilize a massive amount of social media, the actions of the government are being exposed to a wider audience. Tribes are creating resolutions passed by tribal councils in supporting a cease and desist order. Petitions are being created and widely spread around to supporters. This small revolution has turned into a larger call for action by Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous supporters in order to protect these traditional homelands of our peoples. Likewise, Indigenous youth are taking up the responsibility to preserve the pinon pine nut trees as a means to safeguard their languages, traditional stories, and other cultural practices carried on by their ancestors.

 

About the Author:

E’Sha Hoferer is a member of the Agai Diccutta Numu (Trout Eater People), also known as the Walker River Paiute Tribe in Schurz, Nevada. He graduated from Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village, NV with a Bachelor’s in Humanities degree and his main thesis was on ‘Revitalization of Native Language through Social Media.’ E’Sha has been dedicated to protecting the traditional food source of the Paiute people for the sake of revitalizing the language.