Climate Justice Book Discussion: As Long As Grass Grows

As we transition from a focus on climate change to climate and environmental justice, we can better understand all the ways in which racism has fueled and exacerbated the climate crisis. Join Christina Sciabarra (Political Science) and Elizabeth Harazim (English) for this book discussion to engage with Indigenous history and environmental movements. We will learn about the many ways in which Indigenous history is intertwined with movements for environmental justice and the crucial role of Indigenous women in protecting land and rights. Gilio-Whitaker walks us through Indigenous history alongside important environmental crises and shows the ways in which they are connected and impact us today. Join us to continue learning about Indigenous history and how to support environmental justice movements today.

“Through the unique lens of “Indigenized environmental justice,” Indigenous researcher and activist Dina Gilio-Whitaker explores the fraught history of treaty violations, struggles for food and water security, and protection of sacred sites while highlighting the important leadership of Indigenous women in this centuries-long struggle. As Long As Grass Grows gives readers an accessible history of Indigenous resistance to government and corporate incursions on their lands and offers new approaches to environmental justice activism and policy.
Throughout 2016, the Standing Rock protest put a national spotlight on Indigenous activists, but it also underscored how little Americans know about the longtime historical tensions between Native peoples and the mainstream environmental movement. Ultimately, she argues, modern environmentalists must look to the history of Indigenous resistance for wisdom and inspiration in our common fight for a just and sustainable future.” (Google Books)
(We are hoping that the August 11th meeting will be a book chat with the author, but this is pending.)

Last Updated August 11, 2021