Cultural Survival's community includes people from all walks of life, with beautiful stories about why they decided to become advocates for Indigenous Peoples' rights. Sharing these stories further connects our community, provides much-needed solidarity and validation to our staff and partners on the ground, and helps us inspire others to join our movement. We are excited to spotlight members and former interns of our community and highlight your contributions and perspectives through our Cultural Survival Spotlight series. 

By Lucas Kasosi (Maasai, CS Intern)

“Our Elders hunted lions to protect our herds. Today, we are hunting for something else, plastic. It doesn’t roar, but it’s killing our way of life.”
— Ipato Kenta, Founder of Tembea Make An Impact

Cultural Survival’s annual Indigenous Arts Bazaars, featuring one-of-a-kind handmade arts, music, and food from around the world, return to Newburyport, MA, and Tiverton, RI this July. Every handmade item at the Cultural Survival Bazaars tells a story: stories of people and their connection to land, community, languages, cultures, and spirits. 

Visit Cultural Survival Bazaar artist Houseofmirs.com to learn how the Indigenous Peoples in Kashmir dream. The “About us” webpage opens with a compelling quote about how “All human beings are also dream beings, (and that) dreaming ties all mankind together.” When the webpage was created in 2023, it reflected a dream to acquaint the world with exquisite handmade textiles from their homelands of the Kashmir Valley—famous for the enchanting, snow-capped Himalayan Mountains, rivers, valleys, flora-filled gardens, and... cashmere.  

Over the past six months, Indigenous journalist Brandi Morin has travelled repeatedly to Ecuador, reporting on the impact of Canadian mining projects on the Indigenous Peoples who live there. In February, she spent time with the Shuar people, whose ancestral territory is threatened by a Solaris Resources copper mining project.

By Brandi Morin (Iriquois, Cree)

By Pablo Xol (Maya Qʼeqchiʼ, CS Staff)

Indigenous communities have a wealth of knowledge gained from generations of sustainable land management practices, making them invaluable leaders in reforestation and conservation efforts. As climate change and ecological decline become more pressing, Indigenous youth are stepping up as strong environmental stewards. They are leading reforestation projects grounded in ancestral wisdom and a deep connection to the land.

By Tia-Alexi Roberts (Narragansett, CS Staff)