How to Mobilise Change
A conversation with 2021 Laureate Freda Huson
Freda Huson is a female chief (Dzeke ze’) from the Wet’suwet’en people in Canada. She has been a leading advocate for Indigenous communities reclaiming their heritage and reconnecting with their land.
The quest to reclaim and protect her culture and ancestral territory has led her to become a leader in the opposition against the construction of pipelines. Even in the face of overwhelming force by Canadian authorities, she remains on her ancestral land to protect it.
Huson has demonstrated that the Indigenous struggle for environmental protection and land rights revolves around a much more profound battle for culture and a way of life.
Find out more about Huson‘s life story in this interview with journalist Dara Lind, and learn how you can take action to support Indigenous communities!
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Learn
Indigenous peoples in Canada have been subjected to horrendous violence and exploitation for centuries, including the kidnapping and forced assimilation of Indigenous children.
Canada’s abuse of Indigenous lands has also contributed to the intensifying climate crisis. Each year, Canada gives massive subsidies to the exploitation and transport of oil sands, oil and liquefied natural gas. This destroys the ancestral homelands of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
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Reflect
How can I support Indigenous peoples in my region?
What are the threats facing them?
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Share
Despite geographical and cultural differences, Indigenous communities around the world share common problems. Learn about the Right Livelihood Laureates who are confronting similar challenges like Huson, and share your reflection with @rightlivelihood on social media!
- The Last Forest (2021) records the struggles of 2019 Laureate Davi Kopenawa and the Yanomami in the Amazon rainforest
- American Outrage (2008) documents the fight of 1993 Laureates Mary and Carrie Dann of the Western Shoshone Nation to defend their land against the US government
- The Right to be Cold written by 2015 Right Livelihood Laureate Sheila Watt-Cloutier explores the parallels between fighting climate change and safeguarding Inuit culture
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Engage
How can you support the Wetʼsuwetʼen People and other Indigenous communities?
Our friends at Unist’ot’en Camp, Survival and Tenure Facility share ways that you can get involved:
- Check out Unist’ot’en Camp’s toolkit and learn how you can support the Wetʼsuwetʼen People
- Write directly to politicians and CEOs in support of Indigenous peoples
- Recognise the value of traditional knowledge—explore more resources on Tenure Facility
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Support us
Donate today“This Award can help our work by educating many more people out there that this is for all not just for the Freda Husons and other Laureates but every human being has their part to stop climate change and make a better future for our children and grandchildren.” — Freda Huson
We support Huson and many more Laureates who are fighting for Indigenous rights. Be part of our efforts!
Host & Partner
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Dara Lind
Dara Lind is a freelance journalist in Washington, DC. She has worked at ProPublica and as a senior correspondent covering immigration at Vox. Lind remains a regular co-host of the Vox podcast "The Weeds." -
Kulturhuset Stadsteatern
With around 3 million visitors a year, Kulturhuset Stadsteatern, or the House of Culture & City Theatre, in the heart of Stockholm is one of Sweden's most prominent cultural institutions. Through our cooperation, we provide opportunities for people to engage in conversations on vital issues shaping our future. We announce the new Right Livelihood Laureates at Kulturhuset, and also organise joint public events involving change-makers throughout the year.
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