"How do you restore the Earth?

The concept is at odds with indigenous peoples, who find themselves at an unprecedented crossroads.

Tribal people never had to think about restoring Mother Earth on a global level because it was inconceivable anyone would wantonly destroy the Earth and sky.

But images of a crying Earth appear each day. We have stinking rivers, melting ice caps, dwindling rainforests and polluting oil refineries.

On Saturday, I visited an honored elder who invited me to be on an environmental panel with her during the Northern Rockies Bioneers Conference in Bozeman.

Bioneers - biological engineers - seek to unite nature, culture and spirit in an Earth-honoring vision founded in social justice.

I can relate to this.

The conference reminded me how people of different cultural backgrounds can still share common dreams and goals. Participants viewed the documentary �Homeland: Four Portraits of Native Action� prior to the environmental panel discussion, which was led by international educator Henrietta Mann.

The film highlighted four indigenous communities at odds with the world in which they live."

Get the Story:
Jodi Rave: Restoring Earth new role for Natives (The Missoulian 10/26)

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Relevant Links:
Jodi Rave - http://www.missoulian.com/jodirave

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