Bioneers received a $75,000 grant from San Manuel in 2022 to assist with a two-day Rights of Nature Inter-Tribal gathering event for the Southern California region, starting September 21. The Rights of Nature movement supports tribes across Indian Country in their self-led efforts to protect threatened lands, wildlife and ecosystems. It also provides the tools and resources to those trying to implement their Rights of Nature.
This year, a panel of Mashpee Native Environmental Ambassadors from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe in Massachusetts discussed their own experiences with protecting their Indigenous land and resources, including the Herring fish, which is a sacred food source and part of cultural practices for the Mashpee Tribe. Overall, 77 tribes were represented at the conference.
Support from Bioneers and the Rights of Nature movement helps prevent the destruction of Indigenous lands and strengthens tribal sovereignty. With this grant, San Manuel seeks to elevate Indigenous voices and contribute to the resiliency of communities.
