March 7, 2009
Contact: Kandi Mossett
P.O. Box 3054
Bismarck, ND 58504
Cell Phone: (701) 214-1389
Email: iencampusclimate@igc.org
Website: www.ienearth.org
Washington D.C.- February 27 - March 2, 2009 marked the continuation of a movement in America that began with just 16 organizations in 2004 and has since grown to over 50 diverse constituencies united in their demand for a just transition to a clean energy economy. Power shift 2009, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in downtown D.C. this past weekend drew over 12,000 high school and college students from across the country, indeed internationally as well, who converged on our Nations Capital to speak out for environmental justice and a change in legislation on Global Warming policies.
Black Mesa Water Coalition and The Indigenous Environmental Network were just two of the 50 organizations within the Energy Action Coalition who planned tirelessly over the last year to help to make Power Shift 2009 become a reality. Together they brought over 120 students from Tribal colleges and high schools in Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Oregon, Kansas and tar sands impacted communities within Canada. An additional 80 Native American participants joined them during the Indigenous caucuses held each night of the conference. “They were able to connect with fellow Indigenous organizers, students and community members and take part in a monumental occasion. They had the unique opportunity to be at the forefront of real change by taking part in the biggest lobby day on global warming ever held with over 350 meetings that took place with state senators and representatives from all 50 states,” said Kandi Mossett - Tribal Campus Climate Challenge Organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network. “This occasion truly brought people together in a unique way, empowering people who realized they were not alone in their struggles for climate justice.”
On Monday March 2nd thousands of people came together to offer an unprecedented example of mass protest and civil disobedience for the climate. More than 2500 activists, many willing to risk arrest, successfully blockaded all five entrances to the Capitol Power Plant for more than four hours. The Indigenous students that participated were fully impressed by the power of non-violent direct action. Amy Murphy, a student at Nebraska Indian Community College has said, “I may not be able to solve everyone’s problems but putting in whatever effort I can is better than doing nothing at all. I am very thankful for the IEN and all the work that they do. They have opened up their arms and made it easy for all of us Indigenous people to connect.”
On Monday afternoon students spoke in a congressional briefing before the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming after the rally on the U.S. Capitals South lawn where the shouts rang out for Climate Justice, a Just Transition into Green Jobs, No More Coal and No More Nuclear. Manuel Pino, Acoma Pueblo Instructor of Sociology/American Indian Studies had this to say of Power Shift 2009, “As an Indigenous educator our future generation of youth at Power Shift 2009, with their knowledge, expertise and commitment, gives me hope for a green economic future!
For more information please visit www.powershift09.org.
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