International Day of Charity: Empowering Indigenous Sovereignty for Climate Justice
On this International Day of Charity, we honor the power of collective action and the role it plays in addressing the global climate crisis. At Indigenous Climate Action (ICA), our work is deeply rooted in Indigenous knowledge, values, and leadership. As we continue the fight for climate justice, we recognize that charity is more than giving—it’s about solidarity, empowerment, and transforming systems that perpetuate harm.
Indigenous Peoples are the original stewards of the land, and our traditional knowledge holds the key to protecting the planet’s ecosystems. Yet, despite contributing the least to climate change, our communities are disproportionately impacted by its effects—rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the loss of biodiversity threaten our homes, livelihoods, and ways of life.
For ICA, climate justice and Indigenous sovereignty are inseparable. Our mission is to inspire action by developing tools, resources, and opportunities created with, by, and for Indigenous communities. We amplify Indigenous voices, uphold our rights to self-determination, and work tirelessly to steward the lands and waters for future generations.
A Vision for the Future
Indigenous Climate Action staff gathering, 2024.
Our vision is bold: a world where Indigenous Peoples are sovereign, thriving, and leading the fight for climate justice for all. We believe this can be achieved by upholding the “Four R’s” of Indigenous philanthropy—Respect, Reciprocity, Responsibility, and Relationships. These values shape how we engage with partners, ensuring that support for Indigenous movements is rooted in trust, mutual respect, and long-term commitment.
As part of our funding principles, ICA encourages donors and allies to critically examine the sources of their wealth. We call for divestment from fossil fuel revenues and investment in Indigenous-led solutions. True charity lies in dismantling the structures that perpetuate harm and choosing a path that supports human rights, Indigenous sovereignty, and environmental protection.
The Power of Solidarity
This International Day of Charity, we invite you to reflect on the role you can play in supporting Indigenous climate leadership. Whether through financial contributions, spreading awareness, or building relationships, your support matters.
Transformative change requires more than a one-time act of charity—it calls for sustained efforts, collaboration, and the space to experiment, fail, and learn together. We remain committed to walking this path alongside our communities, allies, and supporters.
Invest in Indigenous Sovereignty Today
For us, the journey is just as important as the end. As we move forward with plans to strengthen ICA, we are doing so with ongoing support from others and in relationships within the ecosystems that support us. We know that transformative change requires the space to experiment, fail and practice, practice again, practice in collaborative and in generative environments, reflect, refine and continuously learn. We look forward to walking in this journey together.
Donate now and stand with us as we continue the fight for Indigenous sovereignty and climate justice.
Indigenous Climate Action staff gathering, 2024.