Jihan Gearon is an Indigenous feminist, painter, writer, organizer, and leader in Indigenous environmental justice. She is Diné and Nahiłií (Black) and originally comes from the community of Old Sawmill, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. She is Tódích’ií’nii (Bitter Water clan) and her maternal grandfather is Tł’ashchí’í (Red Bottom clan). She is a graduate of Stanford University with a Bachelor of Science in Earth Systems and a focus in Energy Science and Technology. She currently serves on the advisory board of the Environmental Justice Movement Fellowship at The New School. Her work over the past 15 years – particularly with BMWC, the Indigenous Environmental Network, Climate Justice Alliance, and Grassroots Global Justice Alliance – has made her a nationally recognized movement leader in environmental and climate justice, just transition, Indigenous Peoples rights, and indigenous feminism. Jihan was awarded the NDN Changemaker Fellowship in 2020, the Black Women Green Future Award in 2021, and is featured in the recently released book Notable Native People. At the age of thirty-five, Jihan was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. As part of her journey of healing, she turned to painting, creating bold, powerful works that featured the animals, people, and other beings that protected, motivated, and transformed her during her recovery. Her paintings bring her passions in life together, showcasing feminine energy, connections with the natural world, and the future of a healthy planet.
Area of Expertise/Specialties:
Indigenous Peoples rights, environmental justice, climate justice, the impacts of energy development and climate change on Indigenous Peoples and people of color, especially in North America.
