Climate Change Resilience
Children of the Earth

"Today I witnessed one of the most beautiful things at Day2 of COP 21. The opening of the indigenous peoples pavilion that showcased cultures and traditions from all corners of the world, from the Arctic all the way to Samoa had me overwhelmed.

Speakers spoke about indigenous people in the forefront of Climate Change and our ability as people who have a spiritual understanding of the land to lead change.

briana
Briana Fruean – Paris, France

This opened my eyes to the fact that one of the smartest ways forward for adaptation and mitigation of climate change for traditional societies is marrying technology, science and traditional knowledge together.  Going back to our roots to find solutions.  

My Pacific Island brother from Tokelau told the jam-packed pavilion today the story of the coconut and how it represents sustainability of the islands as it provides leaves that thatches homes, juice that quiches thirst and flesh that fills the stomach. He reminded the room that indigenous societies are the pioneers of sustainability and together with the rest of the world we can take methods of the past to ensure a better future for not just our earth but our children’s earth.

I am not a history student but I now understand the importance of looking at yesterday to get a better understanding of tomorrow. The best part of today was that it wasn’t just me who was overwhelmed by this indigenous peoples event as I could hardly finding standing room to watch, I just stood near the back popping my head over others and saw the hopeful look on people’s faces that there is hope at COP 21 and hope is one of the most beautiful things of all".