Ancient Indigenous peoples — the original stewards of the land we now call North America — tell a story of Turtle Island that recounts how Sky Woman fell from Sky World and brought forth life on the back of a great turtle. While some details of Turtle Island vary across Nations, there is one constant: the sacred relationship between Land and People.
It is in the spirit of honouring and preserving this relationship that the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed April 22 as International Mother Earth Day in 2009.
Today, Earth Day is recognized in over 190 countries as a global moment of reflection, celebration, and collective action.
Here in Canada, Earth Day Canada’s 2024 theme is a call to protect biodiversity, and a reminder of our shared responsibility in safeguarding the delicate balance of our shared planet.
Solidarity in Action – A History of Environmental Activism
While Earth Day officially received its designation from the United Nations in 2009, Environmental activism has long been a driving force for change. In fact, the very first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970 which mobilized 20 million people across the United States to demand cleaner air, water, and environmental protections. Since then, environmental activism has evolved into a global movement. In recent years, youth-led climate justice campaigns have brought new energy and urgency to the fight. Movements like Fridays for Future and Idle No More have challenged governments and corporations to take bold action on climate change while calling for equity, sustainability, and Indigenous rights to be at the centre of the conversation. Activism continues to remind us that the power to protect the planet lies in collective voices and bold, persistent action.
Lessons from Nature – Honouring Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous communities and stakeholders have always been at the forefront of climate action and environmental conservation.
From sustainable agriculture and fire stewardship to land-based education and water governance, Indigenous knowledge systems are not just “traditional”, they are innovative, adaptive, and rooted in relationships that span generations.
At a time when climate impacts are accelerating, biodiversity is declining, and ecosystems are under pressure, we need to learn from and work alongside Indigenous Peoples. Their leadership is essential in restoring harmony between humans and nature.
A Day to Reflect — And to Act
Earth Day is more than a celebration — it is a reminder that our individual and collective actions have the power to shape the future of our planet. And that we are each part of the solution.
Here’s how you can take action today:
- Support Indigenous-led environmental initiatives in your region or nationally.
- Participate in local biodiversity projects like tree planting, native habitat restoration, or community gardens.
- Reduce your ecological footprint by making sustainable choices in how you eat, travel, and consume.
- Advocate for climate and biodiversity policies that reflect equity, science, and Indigenous rights.
- Demand accountability from corporations and elected officials for climate action commitments.
The story of Turtle Island reminds us that we are not separate from the Earth — we are a part of it. On this International Mother Earth Day, let us listen to the land, honour the teachings of those who have long protected it, and walk forward with care, responsibility, and hope for a brighter future.