food for thought
Cultivating the next generation of Earth Protectors
by Richard Sidy , M . Ed .
As we witness more and more “ people powered ” movements to protect our planet — from youthled “ Fridays for the Future ” to raise an urgent call to deal with climate change to the many actions led by indigenous communities to stop crude oil pipelines from endangering the environment — we are seeing a shift in how these movements are defining the way we talk about and see our role in climate and environmental activism .
The biggest shift is that activists see themselves as protectors rather than protesters . This is highly significant , because it is a language of affirmation rather than confrontation . Although actions to save the environment may seem confrontational to those , for example , whose interests are tied to extraction of natural resources no matter the environmental costs , many activists are actually celebrating and fulfilling what they see as their kinship and responsibility to all life on our planet . Being a protector is a proclamation of unity , respect , duty , and belonging .
Experiences and opportunities at a young age to bond with Nature and genuinely feel a part of it are empowering , essential , and one of the most important gifts we can give our children . By developing their relationship to the natural world they cease to feel that Nature is intimidating or separate from them . When children fall in love with Nature , I have seen an authentic desire to protect it naturally arise in them .
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Every generation has a mission ; a specific role in the evolutionary tide rising to meet the essential needs of the future , both materially and spiritually . In 2016 , as I viewed the commitment of the indigenous nations at the Standing Rock Sioux camp and the many and diverse people who stood with them against the Dakota Access Pipeline threatening water , land and heritage , I felt that I was witnessing a defining moment for current and future generations . From then until now , indigenous environmental protectors have taken a lead as protectors for all people and creatures , standing firm against such projects that threaten sacred land and the environment .
Creating an awareness of the role of protector in a population that has been systematically separated from living and working with Nature in order to sustain itself , is essential for humanity ’ s health and well-being . This means nourishing our relationship to everything on
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