A Message on the Occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

On this significant occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, The Right Energy Partnership (REP) stands united with the global community in celebrating the remarkable contributions and rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples worldwide. Our theme for this year, “Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-Determination,” resonates deeply as we honour the spirit of Indigenous youth leading the charge for transformative energy solutions and advocating for their right to self-determination.

In commemorating this day, we must also confront the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, particularly the imposition of large-scale renewable energy projects on their ancestral lands without their consent. These projects disrupt not only energy generation but also the heart of Indigenous societies and their connection to their lands.

A pressing challenge arises from the lack of meaningful engagement during project planning. Decisions are often made without considering historical, social, and cultural contexts, eroding Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and disrupting their ways of life. Furthermore, these projects displace communities from their lands, destroying sacred sites and cultural heritage. This takes a toll on the cultural identity of Indigenous youth, who witness the erosion of their heritage.

Economically, large-scale projects often do not benefit Indigenous Peoples, perpetuating economic dependence and undermining their self-sufficiency goals. At REP, we address these challenges by advocating for Indigenous Peoples’ rights to shape their energy future. We empower them to lead renewable energy projects that align with their values and respect their consent. Community-led projects promote autonomy, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation. By embracing these solutions, we honor Indigenous wisdom and stewardship. We celebrate the resilience of Indigenous youth who drive positive change. Their passion guides us towards a more sustainable world.

To foster dialogue, we announce our webinar series, “Renewable Energy and Indigenous Peoples: A Path to Just Transition,” in August. We invite stakeholders to join us in building understanding and advancing Indigenous self-determination. We extend a warm invitation to all stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous leaders, and Indigenous youth, to join us in this series of webinars. Together, we can build bridges of understanding, forge meaningful partnerships, and advance the cause of Indigenous self-determination and sustainable energy solutions.

As we come together on this momentous occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing the struggle of Indigenous Peoples to have their rights respected and their aspirations supported. We believe that by empowering Indigenous Peoples and supporting the leadership of their youth, we can pave the way for a world that embodies harmony, justice, and equitable access to clean energy for all.

Thank you for your steadfast support, and we eagerly anticipate your enthusiastic participation in our upcoming webinar series. Let us stand united in supporting Indigenous aspirations and championing justice, equity, and clean energy access for all.

Adrian Lasimbang

Executive Director

Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples