As a white, privileged, and educated woman, I have tried to reflect on my privilege when embarking on projects which showcase the narratives of others–especially if those narratives involve oppression or violence that I have not experience due to my privilege. During my time at COP23, I was very thoughtful about my role of the … Continue reading Personal Reflection: The Thin Line Between Cultural Appropriation and Critical Engagement

Hi everyone! After I attended COP 23, I realized there are more concrete steps to take in order to Operationalize The Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform. These insights have come from my interviews with indigenous peoples at the COP, and are therefore not mine originally. But, I have adapted them for further recommendations for operationalization … Continue reading How can the Operational Platform Improve? Here are my Suggestions!

At COP 21, the Paris Agreement marked a revolutionary shift in the international response to climate change and its effects.  The Agreement mandated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) from UN Members States, and consequently, all countries within the United Nations “agreed to work to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and given … Continue reading What is the Indigenous Peoples Platform? From COP21 to Now

On November 17th, 2017, I served as a panelist on the #KnowYourGoals Panel hosted by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Youth Network. The #KnowYourGoals campaign, is a “a global initiative to empower communities to take ownership of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by inviting local organizers, particularly young people, to raise awareness of … Continue reading UN Youth #KnowYourGoals Panel!

At COP23, there was a multi-stake holder dialogue on the Operationalization of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform. This was housed within SBSTA47, otherwise known as the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (the 47, indicates that this is the 47th session). The Operational Platform for Indigenous Peoples came out of COP 21, but … Continue reading COP 23: SBSTA 47 and The Indigenous Peoples Platform

Have you ever gotten stung by a bee, and never wanted to see a bee again? Freaked out when a bee flew in your general direction? This anxiety and fear can be considered a quality of trauma. Indigenous Peoples around the world face historical and social oppression, which is an example of trauma on a … Continue reading Trauma and Sustainability: Yes, They Do Go Hand in Hand

Hi everyone! You might have been wondering: Claire, you do a lot of work on indigenous peoples and the UN, but what is their history? How are the decisions or policies of the past, affecting those in the present? Let’s dive into it! In 1977, 200 indigenous delegates attended a conference with NGOs, in order … Continue reading Indigenous Peoples and The UN: History

Hi everyone! This blog is adapted from a white paper that I wrote on indigenous peoples policy within the UN. Since one of the major barriers to self-determination is the lack of access to funds, or the misuse of funds through REDD+ initiatives, I thought it would be good to have a blog solely dedicated … Continue reading The Green Climate Fund and Indigenous Peoples

Here are detailed outlines of UN News, by year, surrounding indigenous peoples and developments in the UN! I have highlighted a few important milestones for indigenous peoples in my infographic below. 2015 News COP 21 integrated indigenous peoples knowledge, technology, and climate vulnerability into the Paris Agreement. According to Kimaren Ole Riamit, an IIPFCC Technical Team member … Continue reading What has happened in the past 3 years? Indigenous Peoples and the UN from 2015-2017

Hi everyone! I thought I would share with you my photos from the COP 23 Conference. Before I flew to Germany, I was sitting in my dorm room wondering if I should bring my Nikon Camera across the world. I decided yes, and speedily shoved my camera in my suitcase before being picked up from … Continue reading Photo Gallery from #EmoryCOP23!