Indigenous Human Rights Advocacy

Celebrating our 20th Anniversary

Issues we tackle

Indigenous Peoples around the world have long endured grave violations of their human rights, including acts of genocide and the systematic dispossession of their ancestral lands.

Global Justice Ecology Project’s staff works across Turtle Island, from Mexico to Canada. GJEP’s headquarters is located at the western edge of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, on the ancestral territory of the Seneca People.

About the Issue

Indigenous Peoples’ lands are some of the richest and most biodiverse on the planet. In fact, studies have shown that these lands house 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity.

In addition, the long history of colonization endured by many Indigenous Peoples has left them without legal title to their ancestral territories.

As a result, Indigenous Peoples’ lands are once again being targeted–for logging, mining, dams, carbon offsets and various other false solutions to climate change.

What We've Done

For 20+ years GJEP has stood in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples advocating for their lands and rights through campaigns that support their efforts and lift up their voices, stories and histories. We also raise awareness about the intrinsic link between ecological health and the rights of Indigenous Peoples to maintain their lands and culture.

Some of the ways we have done this is through:

Traveling to and meeting with Indigenous communities to listen to their experiences, build solidarity and develop strategies to support their struggles.”
Raising awareness of these struggles and experiences through photo and video documentaries, podcasts, webinars, reports and other collaborations.
Demanding action through solidarity protests, meetings with officials, presenting at UN events, and global sign on letters and petitions.
Ensuring that the rights of Indigenous Peoples is centered in all of our work.

What We're Currently Focusing On

Raising awareness of geoengineering projects taking place without consent in Indigenous communities.
Supporting Indigenous Mapuche communities in Chile fighting to recover their stolen ancestral lands while being subjected to extreme repression by the state.
Mobilizing with Indigenous Peoples globally to stop the expansion of tree plantations & GE trees in Brazil on and around Indigenous Peoples lands.