June 28, 2023

First Nations organisations fighting for climate justice

First Nations peoples in Australia have been custodians of this land for tens of thousands of years, and are disproportionately impacted by the increasing effects of climate change. Urgent action is needed to address this injustice, support the leadership of First Nations peoples, and protect cultural heritage.

Learn about and support these First Nations organisations at the forefront of the climate movement in Australia, working to advocate for climate justice, empower communities, and protect Country.

First Nations Clean Energy Network:

Committed to ensuring that First Nations communities share in the benefits of the clean energy boom, the First Nations Clean Energy Network brings together a diverse group of stakeholders. This network includes cultural leaders, community organisations, academics, technical advisors, renewables companies, and more. Through collaboration, they aim to create pathways for First Nations communities to actively participate in and benefit from the clean energy transition.

Firesticks Alliance:

Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation is an Indigenous-led network that seeks to revitalise cultural burning practices and promote sustainable land management. By facilitating cultural learning pathways to fire and land management, Firesticks empowers both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to take care of Country. They provide training, implement on-ground works, and conduct scientific monitoring to enhance ecosystem health. Firesticks fosters a community of practice, sharing fire stories and building partnerships to achieve resilient landscapes.

Gudanji For Country:

Gudanji For Country is a grassroots organisation representing the Kurrunjini Rrumburriya clan of the Gudanji Nation in central Northern Territory. Their mission is to protect Country from the damaging effects of overgrazing, mining, and fracking. They are working to halt fracking across Australia as Australia moves away from the use of fossil fuels towards an economy fuelled by renewable energy and focussed on protecting the environment we have left. By amplifying their own voices and advocating for the protection of Country, they aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment. Gudanji For Country also strives to elevate the voices of other First Nations communities, fostering unity and collective action.

Our Islands Our Home:

Our Islands Our Home is a powerful campaign led by Torres Strait Islanders who are facing the frontline impacts of the climate crisis. Rising sea levels, erosion, inundation, and coral bleaching threaten their homes and cultural heritage. Our Islands Our Home seeks to protect the islands and preserve the unique cultures of Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through their campaign, they are demanding urgent action and advocating for climate justice.

Catch Yessie Mosbie From Our Islands our Home talking at COP27 here

Seed:

Recognising that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth have the most at stake in the face of climate change, Seed launched Australia’s first Indigenous youth-led climate network. They aim to build a movement of young Indigenous people for climate justice, envisioning a future that is sustainable, just, and powered by renewable energy. Seed empowers Indigenous communities to lead the way in finding solutions, putting people before profits and fostering healthier and cleaner societies.

As Australia faces the increasing impacts of climate change, we must elevate the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and invest in their knowledge and leadership. The organisations highlighted above are at the forefront of the climate movement. By working together and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all. It is time to listen, learn, and act in solidarity with First Nations communities to protect our land, water, Country, and communities.