The Daily TLDR

Ever wonder what's hiding behind those shiny 'green' solutions? Galina Angarova, a proud descendant of the Buryat peoples of Siberia, kicks off her talk with wisdom from an elder: always pay attention to intention. Is it to take, extract, and serve oneself, or to give, regenerate, and serve others? This crucial question, she argues, is the key to true sustainability.

Galina shares how her Indigenous culture taught her from childhood to 'take only what you need, leave something behind so it can regenerate itself, and think seven generations ahead.' These timeless values now guide her global work securing Indigenous peoples' rights in the green economy.

A Harsh Reality Check: The urgency of her message became painfully clear in May 2020, when a massive 21,000-ton diesel spill in the Russian Arctic, caused by a Nornickel subsidiary, decimated Indigenous fishing and hunting grounds. Fast forward a few months, and rumors swirled that Tesla was eyeing Nornickel for its nickel supply. Through a powerful global campaign, Galina's team urged Tesla to reconsider. The good news? Tesla wasn't involved and, thanks to their advocacy, now boasts an Indigenous Peoples Policy, requiring all suppliers to respect Indigenous rights! This saga highlighted a crucial lesson: end-user companies face significant reputational and financial risks if they ignore Indigenous rights.

The 'Green' Elephant in the Room: But that was just the tip of the iceberg! The demand for 'transition minerals' like nickel, copper, cobalt, and lithium—touted as climate change solutions for EVs and batteries—is skyrocketing. Guess what? A University of Queensland study reveals a stunning 54% of all transition minerals are located on or near Indigenous lands! This poses an existential threat to 467 million Indigenous peoples, who are often the best stewards of their ecosystems, yet whose lives are inextricably linked to these threatened territories.

From the Sami communities in Sweden facing new mines that could wipe out their reindeer herding, to the Colla Indigenous communities in Argentina's Atacama Desert battling the water-hungry lithium industry for drinking water—the stories of impact are heartbreaking and global.

The Path Forward: Justice, Not Repeat Mistakes!

So, are we doomed to repeat the extractive mistakes of the past? Absolutely not! Galina asserts that Indigenous peoples are no longer just victims; they are the protagonists, decision-makers, and architects of their own self-determined development. At the core of this empowerment is the fundamental right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). This isn't just a legal requirement; it's a blueprint for meaningful engagement:

• Free: No coercion or manipulation allowed!
• Prior: Decisions must be made before any development on Indigenous lands.
• Informed: Full disclosure, from investor reports to environmental impact assessments.
• Consent: Indigenous peoples have the right to say yes, no, maybe, or yes with conditions! It's about treating people as equals and respecting their traditional governance.

Galina's team has already worked with giants like Tesla and Ford to embed FPIC in their supply chains. The goal? To fundamentally transform how governments and corporations interact with Indigenous communities worldwide.

Beyond Silver Bullets: A Stack of Solutions!

Technological fixes like EVs aren't silver bullets, and frankly, Galina questions if endless extraction is even necessary. What about robust reuse and recycling programs? She envisions a 'stack of many solutions,' with Indigenous peoples offering those that prioritize justice, equity, rights, and well-being. Who knows best? The communities living on the land, equipped with millennia-old traditional knowledge!

From restoring mangrove forests in Nigeria to managing agroecological farms in Ecuador and experimenting with kelp production in Alaska—Indigenous communities are already leading incredible, CO2-absorbing, livelihood-supporting initiatives. These are real-world alternatives to the 'take, take, take' mindset, embodying the spirit of being good neighbors and relatives to all.

The Ultimate Intention:

Galina powerfully concludes by returning to her elder's query: What is the intention? Are we creating shiny new things to give, share, love, and serve others? Or merely to take, extract, and serve ourselves? With the right intention, rooted in reciprocity and care, she believes we have a chance to survive and thrive. It's the mindset, she emphasizes, that will determine our future.