Wópida (gratitude) to the Midwest Environmental Justice Network for inviting us to take part in their #2025MWEJNGathering. Echoing the words of our organization president, Shelley Buck (Pte Wicota), "We are grateful to be a part of the Midwest Environmental Justice Network community. This community recognizes that if we treat everyone and everything as a relative, we can heal land, water, people and relationships too."
About last week... We were so grateful to have hosted our #2025MWEJNGathering in Mni Sóta Makoce/Minnesota with our #MidwestFrontlineFund environmental justice grantee partners from all across the Midwest! This was more than just a conference. It was a space to build deep relationships across our states, communities, issues, and stories. We know that these relationships are the bedrock of creating transformative visions for #environmentaljustice across the region. As our plenary speaker Ricardo Levins Morales reminded us, "our vision is big enough for you, it has room." This was our first time getting together in over half a decade. And there were a lot of moments this year when we weren't sure if this was the right time to come together. But it became clear that no matter what, folks in our communities needed a place to connect, heal, strategize and share joy in order to continue their work. Our hearts and minds were filled by the words, music, and wisdom of speakers and artists who could join us. Shelley Buck (Pte Wicota) of partner org Owámniyomni Okhódayapi, Bear Runner Drum Group, Ricardo Levins Morales, Sun Yung Shin, Jayanthi Kyle, and Ayo Clemons of Ayo's Somatics! 🍴 And we're still talking about the incredible food from Owamni by The Sioux Chef, World Street Kitchen, and Wanna Watopi food truck. Over the next few days we'll be reposting the vision that came together during the Gathering. We invite all of you to join in it with us--it's big enough for you, and it has room. . . . 💐 Deep gratitude to all of our partners who traveled thousands of miles to be with us, and to our incredible team Eartha Borer-Bell, Shalini Gupta, Devika Ghai, Gabriel J., Anthena Gore, Phoebe Young, Sofia L. and Daniela Herrera. 💐 Many thanks are also in order for our emcee extraordinaire Kimberly Wasserman and the other members of our incredible Leadership Team Debra Taylor, Brenda Coley, Roxxanne O'Brien. Thanks to our amazing Advisory Circle members who could join us--Huda Alkaff, Beto LugoMartinez, Ashley Williams, Nayyirah Shariff, Kim Foreman, and Carolina Ortiz. 💐 And a huge thank you to Samara Collective for supporting our communications visions for this event. #2025MWEJN #WeAreMWEJN #MidwestEJNetwork #MWEJNGathering 📸 Raww Files Media LLC
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