In the Gulf South, as climate crises intensify, Indigenous women are at the forefront of a transformative movement. With 80% of Earth’s biodiversity within Indigenous territories, these women, rooted in traditional roles as healers, culture shapers, and land stewards, possess invaluable knowledge.
However, the Gulf South faces rapid Indigenous territory loss due to historical exploitation and climate shifts. To counter this, the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) collaborates closely with Gulf South Indigenous women, fostering local Indigenous food networks that protect cultural practices and traditional medicine.
This project will help Indigenous women and two-spirit farmers in the Gulf South revitalize ancestral knowledge through Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), promoting sustainable circular economies and fortifying community resilience. Their initiatives, including land restoration, biodiversity-boosting forests, and food preservation, empower communities to thrive amidst ecological stress.
Furthermore, partnerships like Climate Justice is Food Justice support workshops and outreach, highlighting TEK and cultural traditions. Together, they are forging a path towards ecological resilience, food sovereignty, and the stewardship of Indigenous territories, ensuring a sustainable future for the Gulf South.
