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{{POV|date=August 2017}}
{{Infobox organization
|name = Indigenous Environmental Network▼
|image =
| logo = Indigenous Environmental Network logo.png
| logo_alt =
| logo_caption =
|formation = {{start date|1990}}
|headquarters = [[Bemidji, Minnesota]], U.S.
|leader_title = Exec. Dir.
|leader_name = [[Tom B.K. Goldtooth]]
|motto slogan = "Respecting the Sacredness of Mother Earth"
▲|name = Indigenous Environmental Network
| logo_size =
|founder =
|website = [http://ienearth.org/ ienearth.org]
}}
}}'''Indigenous Environmental Network''' (IEN) is a network of [[Indigenous peoples|indigenous]], [[grassroots]] environmental justice activists, primarily based in the United States. Group members have represented [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] concerns at international events such as the '''United Nations Climate Change Conferences''' in [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|Copenhagen (2009)]] and [[2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference|Paris (2016)]]. IEN organizes an annual conference to discuss proposed goals and projects for the coming year; each year the conference is held in a different indigenous nation.<ref name="Brook1">{{cite journal | last = Brook | first = Daniel | title = Environmental Genocide: Native Americans and Toxic Waste | journal = American Journal of Economics and Sociology | date = Jan 1998 | jstor = 3487423 | pages = 105–113 | volume=57| issue = 1 | doi = 10.1111/j.1536-7150.1998.tb03260.x }}</ref> The network emphasizes environmental protection as a form of spiritual activism. IEN received attention in the news as a major organizer of the fight against the [[Keystone Pipeline]] and the [[Dakota Access Pipeline]] in the [[Dakota Access Pipeline protests]].▼
 
▲}}The '''Indigenous Environmental Network''' ('''IEN''') is a networkcoalition of [[Indigenous peoples|indigenous]], [[grassroots]] environmental justice activists, primarily based in the United States. Group members have represented [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] concerns at international events such as the '''[[United Nations Climate Change Conferences'''conference]]s in [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|Copenhagen]] (2009)]] and [[2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference|Paris]] (2016)]]. IEN organizes an annual conference to discuss proposed goals and projects for the coming year; each year the conference is held in a different indigenous nation.<ref name="Brook1">{{cite journal | last = Brook | first = Daniel | title = Environmental Genocide: Native Americans and Toxic Waste | journal = American Journal of Economics and Sociology | date = JanJanuary 1998 | jstor = 3487423 | pages = 105–113 | volume=57| issue = 1 | doi = 10.1111/j.1536-7150.1998.tb03260.x }}</ref> The network emphasizes environmental protection as a form of spiritual activism. IEN received attention in the news as a major organizer of the fight against the [[Keystone Pipeline]] and the [[Dakota Access Pipeline]] in the [[Dakota Access Pipeline protests]].
 
== History ==
The IENIndigenous Environmental Network was formed in 1990 to bring to light environmental and economic injustices faced specifically by the Indigenousindigenous Peoplespeoples of North America.<ref name="IEN-6" />
 
=== Ties to environmental justice movement ===
The [[environmental justice]] movement seeks to address issues of [[environmental racism]], which arises when [[people of color]] and other marginalized populations such as Indigenousindigenous Peoplespeoples are disproportionately affected by exposure to hazardous environmental conditions; the unavailability of safe, healthy, and affordable food options; and exclusion from participatory involvement in community decision-making.{{citation needed|date=August 2017}}
 
Indigenous peoples have historically suffered injustice through environmental racism, having faced repeated despoliation of sacred lands as well as over-exploitation of resources by governments and other actors. This includes dumping, establishment of toxic waste sites, or development of environmentally harmful infrastructure (such as pipelines), specifically on Native American [[Indian reservation|reservations]] and [[First Nations]] [[Indian reserve|reserves]]. Breaches of Indigenousindigenous autonomy by the [[United States|U.S.]] Governmentgovernment are often justified by the claim that the development of Indigenousindigenous lands would increase economic opportunity for locals{{mdash}}claims that are rarely supported by evidence. Indigenous residents and custodians usually see development projects imposed in this manner as an infringement on their right to [[self-determination]] and [[religious freedom]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Schlosberg|first=David|date=November 2010|title=Indigenous Struggles, Environmental Justice, and Community Capabilities|journal=Global Environmental Politics|volume=10|issue=4|pages=12–35|doi=10.1162/glep_a_00029|s2cid=57567645}}</ref>
 
=== Past ===
The networkIndigenous Environmental Network has focused its activism on improving Indigenousindigenous communities through grassroots efforts; prioritizing projects that protect the land, air, water, sacred sites, and natural resources. To accomplish the preservation of these assets, the network has organized campaigns, public awareness, and community building activities. The IEN meets locally, regionally, and nationally to promote awareness about issues of social justice, but primarily holds focus in North America.<ref name=":0" />
 
<!--OVERFLOGGING THE ISSUE: The rise of the IEN came out of the recognition of the harm done to the livelihood of Indigenous Peoples.-->The increase in toxic waste and nuclear waste storage facilities near indigenous lands was a main concern to the IEN during its beginnings in the early 1990s.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ienearth.org/|title=Indigenous Environmental Network|website=www.ienearth.org|language=en-US|access-date=April 24, 2017}}</ref> After the initial focus on environmental hazards presented by these facilities, the network spread awareness across youth and tribal populations that paved the way for it to progress to campaigns and public activism. Every year, a conference is held entitled "Protecting Mother Earth Gatherings", which is aimed at educating the public as well as developing strategies for protecting the lands of Indigenousindigenous Peoplespeoples.
 
In 1995, IEN began hiring staff to represent the ideologies and goals of the organization. IEN workers strive for the preservation of Indigenousindigenous Peoplespeoples through tribal grassroots communities and tribal-government environmental staff. IEN has since evolved into a group that works to create change and strengthen tribal communities by protecting and preserving sacred sites.<ref name=":0" />
 
=== Current activism ===
One of the popular cases of activism that IEN has participated in were the protests against the North Dakota Pipeline project, which is set to run through [[North Dakota]], [[South Dakota]], [[Iowa]] and to end in [[Illinois]]. The IEN has been a leading participant in coordinating international action such as bank divestments and days of emergency action that protest [[fascism]] and the use of [[fossil fuel]]s that disrupt the livelihood of Indigenousindigenous Peoplespeoples.<ref name=":0" />
 
''Indigenous Rising Media '' is an IEN Project that works to defend the rights of Indigenousindigenous Peoplespeoples. It focuses on protecting the sanctity and integrity of [[Mother Nature|Mother Earth]] and the movement towards a more just and sustainable future.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indigenousrising.org/|title=Indigenous Rising|website=Indigenous Rising|language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-04}}</ref> The project has placed information about the North Dakota Pipeline on its website aimed at combating the dangers that directly affect indigenous people.
 
The group also recently participated in the [[People's Climate March (2017)|Peoples Climate March]] on [[Washington, D.C.]] on April 29, 2017. The March was hosted to bring to light the dangers of climate change, and IEN supported the event. The rally was hosted by [[1491s#Members|Dallas Goldtooth]], a prominent activist protesting against the North Dakota Pipeline, along with Carrie Fulton, an [[African-American]] environmental-justice organizer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/04/the-people-who-came-to-the-climate-march/524865/|title=The Climate March's Big Tent Strategy Draws a Big Crowd|last=Meyer|first=Robinson|work=The Atlantic|access-date=2017-05-04|language=en-US}}</ref> The Peoples Climate March took place on the 100th day of [[Donald Trump]]'s presidency, and served as a protest to [[policy]] changes being made regarding environmental protection and [[conservation movement|conservation]].
 
== Goals and Beliefsbeliefs ==
[[File:Indigenous Environmental Network Interview.jpg|thumb|This image shows an interview being conducted of members of the Indigenous Environmental Network]]
[[File:Talk Nation Radio - 2008-08-10 Emily Surrusco, Arctic Wilderness League.vorb.oga|thumb|right|Tom Goldtooth of the Indigenous Environmental Network has an overview of his position on US drilling and native lands.]]
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== Environmental justice ==
 
=== PipelinesOpposition to pipelines ===
The group began garnering more public attention in 2014, when they began a protest against the [[Keystone Pipeline|Keystone XL oil pipeline]]. Initial disputes over the pipeline had drawn the attention of the American public in 2011, when groups became concerned that the oil pipeline could contaminate nearby water sources, but this increased as the building of the pipeline was delayed. IEN was one of the larger organizations involved in the debate over the pipeline, allying with other environmentalist groups like the [[Sierra Club]] and [[350.org ]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/25/us/keystone-xl-pipeline-fight-lifts-environmental-movement.html|title=Pipeline Fight Lifts Environmental Movement|work=The New York Times|date=January 24, 2014|access-date=April 27, 2017|last=Wheaton|first=Sarah}}</ref>
 
IEN experienced another surge of media exposure in 2015 as protests against the [[Dakota Access Pipeline|Dakota Access oil pipeline]] gained attention. The pipeline is currently complete, with the exception of the section mapped to be located under [[Lake Oahe]], which is a major water source for the native [[Sioux|Sioux tribe]] of [[Standing Rock Indian Reservation|of Standing Rock]] in [[North Dakota.]]. After a federal order requiring protesters to leave the build sites of the pipeline, IEN stated publicly that they would not follow the order in an attempt to further delay the progression of the pipeline. Dallas Goldtooth, an organizer with IEN, told a reporter for ''[[The Washington Post]]'' that "We are staying here, committed to our prayer. Forced removal and state oppression? This is nothing new to us as native people."<ref name=Sylvester>Sylvester, Terray. "[http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-40265280.html?refid=easy_hf Foes of Pipeline Vow to Defy Order to Leave Site]{{dead link|date=February 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}" ''[[The Washington Post]]'', November 27, 2016. Accessed February 19, 2017.</ref>
 
[[Tom B.K. Goldtooth]], founder of IEN, stated after President Donald Trump signed an executive order for the continuation of the building of the pipeline that "Donald Trump will not build his Dakota Access Pipeline without a fight. The granting of an [[easement]], without any environmental review or tribal consultation, is not the end of this fight—it is the new beginning."<ref>[https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/02/07/indigenous-environmental-network-trump-cant-build-dapl-without-fight "Indigenous Environmental Network: Trump Can't Build DAPL Without a Fight."] Common Dreams. February 7, 2017. <nowiki>http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/02/07/indigenous-environmental-network-trump-cant-build-dapl-without-fight</nowiki>.</ref>
 
=== Conferences ===
IEN hosts annual conferences called the "Protecting Mother Earth Gatherings". The maidenfirst editionconference was held in 1990 in [[Bear Butte]], [[South Dakota]]. The conferences has changed location almost every year.
 
At the conference, members of the NetworkIEN come together to discuss the group's goals and projects in the upcoming year. Their resolutions are typically published on the internet soon after the end of each conference.<ref>1992. "Resolution of the Third Annual Indigenous Environmental Network Gathering, Celilo Village, Oregon, June 6, 1992: No Nuclear Waste on Indian Lands." Race, Poverty & the Environment, 1992. 9. JSTOR Journals, EBSCOhost (accessed February 19, 2017).</ref>
 
Past conference locations and projects include:
* The 1992 conference in [[Celilo Falls]], Oregon, formerly a major [[salmon]] fishing site until dams were constructed on the Columbia River, downstream from the [[Hanford Nuclear Reservation]].
* The 1993 conference at [[Sac and Fox Reservation]], Oklahoma; IEN helped defeat a proposal for the establishment of a nuclear waste site.
* The 1994 conference on [[Mole Lake Indian Reservation]], Wisconsin, where [[Exxon]] plans to open a huge zinc-copper mine upstream from the Mole Lake Chippewa's [[wild rice]] beds.
* The 2001 conference (the 12th Protecting Mother Earth Gathering) in [[Penticton, British Columbia]], Canada, was the first to be held in Canada.
* The 2004 conference was again held near sacred Bear Butte, South Dakota.<ref name=Grossman1>{{cite journal|last=Grossman |first=Zoltan |title=Linking the Native Movement for Sovereignty and the Environmental Movement |journal=Native Americans and the Environment |publisher=Z Magazine 8(11) |date=November 1995 |url=http://ncseonline.org/nae/docs/grossman.html |pages=42–50 |access-date=April 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616234942/http://ncseonline.org/nae/docs/grossman.html |archive-date=June 16, 2010 }}</ref>
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In 2009, IEN introduced the "Red Road to [[Copenhagen]]" initiative; a delegation attended the 15th Session of the [[United Nations Climate Change conference|Conference of the Parties]] (COP-15) to the [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change]] (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen. The Initiative statement reads: "...this initiative will bring accumulated traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples from North America coming from climate-energy impact zones and persons experienced in linking an indigenous rights-based framework to climate policy."<ref name=COP15>{{cite web | title = IEN COP15 delegation Information | publisher = IEN }}</ref>
 
IEN prioritizes multigenerational and intertribal organizing, and has specific youth and elders groups. It is governed partly by an Elders Council; their Youth Council solicits the involvement of young Indigenousindigenous people and tries to make connections between urban youth culture and environmental issues faced by the communities.<ref name=about>{{cite web | title = The Indigenous Environmental Network | work = About IEN | publisher = IEN | url = http://www.ienearth.org/about | access-date = April 26, 2010}}</ref>
 
Members of IEN were involved in the 2016 [[Dakota Access Pipeline protests]], notably in the media coverage and in establishing the media tent at the [[Oceti Sakowin]] camp.<ref name=CdreamsMedia>{{cite web | last = Begay | first = Jade | title = Indigenous Women Leaders of Dakota Access Pipeline Resistance to Speak Out For Protection of Earth and Water | work = About IEN | publisher = [[Common Dreams]] | date = September 28, 2016| url = http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/09/28/indigenous-women-leaders-dakota-access-pipeline-resistance-speak-out-protection | access-date = October 26, 2016}}</ref>
 
=== Other Workwork ===
The [[Persistent organic pollutant|POPs]] Treaty, now known as the [[Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants|Stockholm Convention]] after it was signed in May 2001 in [[Sweden]], was designed to ban a number of pesticides and other chemicals from use. During the negotiations, IEN played a key role in expressing to delegates what indigenous peoples wanted from the treaty. Throughout the period, the IEN met with delegates from all over the world in order to sensitise them on how indigenous peoples are impacted by POPs and their expectations from the treaty.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Rohde|first=Monica|date=Spring 2001|title=Community Groups Have Big Impact on POPs Treaty|url=http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?vid=16&sid=a5c14f39-6df1-4439-b952-1579dfad32df%40sessionmgr4006&hid=4104&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=8772388&db=8gh|journal=Everyone's Backyard|volume=19}}</ref>
 
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==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
 
{{Indigenous rights footer}}
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