The Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) was established in 1990 by grassroots Indigenous peoples to address environmental and economic justice (EJ) issues within the United States. Some of their key activities include developing the ability of Indigenous communities to establish systems to aid in the protection of sacred sites, land, water, air, natural resources, the health of both people and the environment and building economically sustainable communities.
These key activities are carried out by maintaining an informational clearinghouse, coordinating campaigns, raising public awareness, supporting communities in how EJ issues are addressed and developing initiatives to change policy. These activities are supported by the constantly growing alliance of Indigenous communities, tribes, inter-tribal and Indigenous organisations, people-of-colour/ethnic organisations, faith-based and women groups, youth, labour, environmental organisations and others.
IEN’s goals are to:
- Educate and empower Indigenous Peoples to address and develop strategies for the protection of the environment, their health, and all life forms – the Circle of Life.
- Re-affirm the traditional knowledge and respect of natural laws.
- Recognise, support, and promote environmentally sound lifestyles, economic livelihoods, and build healthy sustaining Indigenous communities.
- Commit to influencing policies that affect Indigenous Peoples on a local, tribal, state, regional, national and international level.
- Include youth and elders in all levels of their work.
- Protect their human rights to practise their cultural and spiritual beliefs.
IEN operates on a local, regional and national level, facilitating meetings on environmental and economic justice issues to Indigenous communities and youth throughout North America and on a global scale. They work closely with other organisations such as the Climate Justice Alliance, Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, It Takes Roots, Right To The City and United Frontline Table.
IEN is an alliance of Indigenous Peoples whose Shared Mission is to Protect the Sacredness of Earth Mother from contamination & exploitation by Respecting and Adhering to Indigenous Knowledge and Natural Law
IEN is supported by public donations.
