S03E03: Indigenous Advocacy and Climate Change: A Conversation with Evie Reyes-Aguirre

Today we're privileged to converse with Eve Reyes-Aguirre, an Izkaloteka Azteca Indigenous woman, who has passionately dedicated over 25 years of her life advocating for human rights, women's rights, Indigenous peoples rights, and environmental rights. Eve, a fervent advocate, has a wealth of experience from her time at Tonotierra, an embassy for Indigenous peoples, which she shares with us. She also provides us with a deeper understanding of the Doctrine of Discovery while explaining Tonatierra's mission to dismantle its harmful effects.

Eve takes us through her experiences as she navigates the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, sharing strategies with Indigenous nations globally. With her first-hand experience, she elucidates the impact of forced displacement on Indigenous peoples and the lingering trauma of colonialism. She brings to light the grassroots advocacy work by Tonatierra in Arizona, which extends to assisting Indigenous farm workers and championing for Indigenous food sovereignty.

As we wrap up our enlightening conversation, Eve shares profound insights on the influence of settler colonialism on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. She underscores the importance of understanding false climate solutions that only serve to displace Indigenous peoples further. Eve leaves us with an understanding of our spiritual connection to the land and how this connection can inform our collective fight against climate change. This engaging conversation is not to be missed, as it sheds light on Indigenous advocacy, identity, and climate change in a manner never before heard.

We dedicate this episode to the memory of our dear friend and founder of Tonaiterra, Tupak Huehuecoyotl (Tupac Enrique Acosta) who has recently joined the ancestors.

Support the show

View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.