Introduction to the Anthology

Climate change is an urgent global crisis, one that disproportionately impacts Indigenous communities worldwide. Seeking solutions requires centering Indigenous voices, knowledges, and perspectives. This timely volume aims to amplify Indigenous scholarship and provides concrete strategies to Indigenize climate change education across disciplines. Our hope is that by bridging science, education, the arts and advocacy, we will co-create truly transdisciplinary solutions to current ecological crises.

We have chosen the term “Indigenizing” thoughtfully, recognizing that Indigenous communities are diverse; this language resonates with some scholars yet gives pause to others. Our intent is not to universalize or homogenize the plurality of Indigenous epistemologies. Rather, we seek to foreground Indigeneity and Indigenous ways of knowing, challenging dominant Western paradigms that have marginalized First Peoples. We acknowledge the limitations of “Indigenizing” and considered terms like “decolonizing.” However, decolonization is not the work of settler scholars; our role is to uplift Indigenous voices leading this critical work. By centering Indigenous perspectives and partnerships, we take an initial step toward more inclusive climate action.

The selections contained herein offer examples, proposals, and thoughtful discourse to guide practitioners in shaping holistic climate solutions. While varied in focus, the chapters connect through themes of education, climate action, and Indigenous knowledge systems. Readers will discover strategies to integrate Indigenous-led design, visual communication, storytelling, and intergenerational wisdom into teaching and learning. Case studies stemming from six continents provide place-based insights and community-driven models for climate resilience.

From tracking climate discourse to visualizing custodianship, this collection challenges dominant paradigms with new perspectives on our shared climate future. It is hoped that these Indigenized approaches will galvanize practitioners in classrooms, boardrooms, and policy circles.

Throughout this book, we adhered to the naming, nation affiliation, and title conventions preferred by our individual authors. Our aim was for contributors to express their voices, lived experiences, and expertise in ways authentic to them.

By uplifting Indigenous voices, knowledges, and lived experiences, we take an important step toward inclusive, ethical, and effective climate action.