Indigenous Caucus
The Indigenous Caucus asserts our own Indigenous natural water laws and standards and to initiate a National and International effort to have water recognized as a spiritual entity essential to continued life on Mother Earth, hold corporations and government agencies accountable to clean contaminated water, and strengthen and maximize the WMAN Indigenous Caucus voice to protect Mother Earth by holding regular face-to-face meetings of the Indigenous Caucus to advance our overall goals.
About this Caucus
What We Do
Increasing our Power to Stop Unwanted Mining and Calling for the clean up of mining pollution and contamination.
This is an endeavor that we take on personally, locally (tribal governments/state/federal) and collectively – with all of our voices, and it’s ongoing work. We will continue to uplift the local stories of struggle and look for ways to support efforts on the ground through education, funding, and unity.
The Indigenous Caucus comes together to support one another, exchange ideas and resources, and build community.
Our Leadership
The Indigenous Caucus is led by 100% Indigenous leadership. IC leaders are also elected to the WMAN Steering Committee which is a volunteer, community-based leadership team and is the main decision-making body that guides WMAN programs, activities, and the strategic direction. The WMAN Steering Committee is elected via regional and Indigenous caucuses at the WMAN Biennial Conferences (20 seats).
Chair of the Indigenous Caucus
Earl Hatley, Local Environmental Action Demanded (L.E.A.D.) Agency, Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi (Oklahoma/Southeastern U.S. Seat)
Indigenous Caucus Leaders elected to regional seats
- Carla Rae Marshall, Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, Lakota Nation (U.S. Great Plains Seat)
- Tara Lamothe, Fair Mining Collaboration, B.C., (USA- West Seat)
- Russel Burns,Treaty 6- Alberta, UFMJ (Canada-Central Prairies Seat)
- Vacant - (Indigenous Canada Seat)
- Donna Ashamock (Indigenous Canada Seat)
- Chantel Alveshire (Indigenous U.S. Seat)
- (Alaska Seat)
- Justice Pesche (Youth Rep. Seat)
The work of the Indigenous Caucus is supported by the Indigenous Caucus Coordinator.
Sayo:’kla D. Williams, Indigenous Caucus Coordinator
Sayo:’kla D. Williams, from the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, has served as the Indigenous Caucus Coordinator for WMAN in December 2017. Email: sayokla@wman-info.org. or call: (608)408-3149
Active Communities
We are updating our list of active Indigenous communities on the frontlines of resource extraction. To add your organization to this list, email: sayokla@wman-info.org.
U.S.A.
Southwest
- Bears Ears Coalition
- Grand Canyon Trust
- Chaco Canyon
- Navajo Nation/ Di’ne
- Dine’ C.A.R.E.
- Tó Nizhóní Ání
- San Carlos Apache / Nde
- Laguna/Acoma Coalition for a Safer Environment
- Southern Ute
- Red Water Pond Road Community Association
- Black Mesa Water Coalition
Alaska
Southeast
Mid-West
- Sokaogan Chippewa
- Menominee Nation
- Oneida Nation of WI
- Forest County Potawatomi
- Ho-Chunk Nation
- Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa – Mashkiiziibii
- WI Coalition to Save the Menominee River
- Hannavile Youth Community
Canada
How We Stay Connected
Monthly Meeting
Indigenous Caucus meets on Zoom with dial-in ability from the U.S.A. and Canada. Meetings are currently scheduled for the second Tuesday of every month (except holidays) from 1 – 2:20 PM EST. To sign up to be a part of this meeting or to get on the Indigenous Caucus Listserv, please contact Sayokla Williams: sayokla@wman-info.org.
Facebook Group
Indigenous Caucus stays connected on our Facebook Page.
Upcoming Events
