S5E9: Indigenous Organizing & Leadership (Part II) with Jacob Johns

There is no specific way to organize people to shape policy, though there are many lessons we can gather from indigenous organizing and leadership. Today we’re joined by a powerhouse in the environmental justice and indigenous rights movement- Jacob Johns. His activism involves policy, art, storytelling, and community advocacy – using creative methods to advocate for resistance and resilience. Jacob is a grassroots organizer committed to building Indigenous power on a global scale, traveling around the world to elevate Indigenous voices and movements. His leadership has been central at major international climate summits, including COP28—where he led the Indigenous Wisdom Keepers delegation—and COP29. Blending activism with artistry, Jacob uses creative expression as a powerful tool to illuminate both the struggles and resilience of Indigenous communities. "Indigenous- most people would say we are activists but it's’ our moral obligation to protect the earth. Born to protect the earth. If we don't do it, it won’t be done." - Jacob Johns