Erica M. Pinto Chairwoman, Jamal Villag; Jill Sherman-Warne (NAEPC); Bobby Wallace, Barona Band Mission Indians
The 8th Annual Environmental Leadership Summit brought together a diverse group of leaders, innovators, and advocates committed to advancing sustainability and environmental stewardship. Over the course of the event, attendees participated in thought-provoking discussions and networking opportunities that highlighted the latest trends and challenges in the environmental sector.
Tribal keynote speakers shared inspiring stories of Tribal Ecological Knowledge that have made a tangible impact on local and global scales. Panel discussions focused on critical issues such as working with Indigenous Tribes, climate change, along with discussions of current ballot initiatives that will directly impact our environmental goals. Participants also engaged in discussions aimed at developing actionable strategies for fostering environmental resilience.
The summit underscored the importance of collective action and the role of leadership in driving meaningful change. With a renewed sense of purpose, attendees left the summit equipped with new insights, connections, and a commitment to continue their efforts in creating a more sustainable future. Overall, the event was a resounding success, reinforcing the necessity of ongoing dialogue and collaboration in the pursuit of environmental leadership.
September 28, 2024 on the sacred land of the Great Kumeyaay Nation at San Diego State University tribes gathered. Erica Pinto and Bobby Wallace brought strong messages about the Indigenous, ancestral connection to the earth. Indigenous Intelligence prevailed while and Indigenous media platform was discussed
A moving invocation by Chairwoman Erica Pinto opened the proceedings. Bobby Wallace imparted his knowledge and environmental concerns during a Panel: Tribal Civil Engagement.
Keynote Speaker Jill Sherman-Warne, Executive Director Native American Environmental Protection Coalition gave an inspiring and unifying presentation.
The summit served as a platform for discussion on the intersection of indigenous rights, environmental stewardship, and community resilience in the face of climate change.
The Environmental Center of San Diego recognizes that we all rest on the ancestral homeland of the Kumeyaay Nation. The Environmental Center offers its respect and gratitude to the Kumeyaay people who have lived here since time immemorial.
Excerpts from ECSD website
