Indigenous Press Conference Demanding True Climate Solutions COP21

Indigenous Press Conference Demanding True Climate Solutions at COP21 Media Advisory Indigenous Environmental Network During the COP21 climate talks in Paris, Indigenous Peoples from the Arctic to the Amazon and their allies will gather to demand real climate solutions, including bottom up initiatives originating in Indigenous knowledge, culture, and spirituality. Canoe of Life What: Sunday’s press conference will include Indigenous leaders from the Americas offering solutions to stave off the worst of climate change and protect Mother Earth. The launching of a declaration calling on world leaders to keep fossil fuels in the ground, led by Indigenous peoples and signed by over 150 organizations. The signing announcement from Indigenous women leaders from North and South America of a treaty to protect Mother Earth. Presentation of the Kawsak Sacha “Living Forest” proposal from the Amazon rainforest by the Kichwa Indigenous people of Sarayaku. Indigenous flotilla on the Bassin de la Villette, including Sarayaku’s “Canoe of Life” which has traveled 6000 miles to Paris with a message from the Amazon. Indigenous spokespeople and supporting organizations including leading environmental groups will be available to the media after the press conference. A reception and cultural event will immediately follow the press event: When: Sunday, December 6th at 2 pm local time. Where: Péniche Antipode barge on the Bassin de la Villete Canal (55 Quai de la Seine, 75019 Paris, France) Who: The press conference will be held by Indigenous peoples organizations and movements including Indigenous Environmental Network; Idle No More, and the Kichwa community of Sarayaku from Ecuador. Visuals: Indigenous “Canoe of Life” from the Amazon and flotilla of at least 25 kayaks adorned with Indigenous art work representing the different Indigenous cultures participating in the event; Colorful banners and flags; and Indigenous representatives wearing their traditional attire and regalia Contacts: Dallas Goldtooth, Indigenous Environmental Network, France: +33 75 1413 823, US: (708) 5156158, dallas@ienearth.org Andrew Miller, Amazon Watch, (202) 4234828, andrew@amazonwatch.org Jonathon Berman, Sierra Club, (202) 4953033, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org