College of Charleston had an amazing opportunity this past week by having Winona LaDuke come and talk. I was actually able to leave another one of my classes early to be able to make this presentation. After seeing some of her work in many of my classes I was very excited to listen to her live and in person. It was an absolute privilege. The talk began with her displaying beautiful art and explaining the origin and meaning behind it, all of the art presented related to her heritage.  She lives “where the wild things are” on an earth reservation in Minnesota. She has the ability to grow and harvest natural foods like rice and natural corn.  She went on to talk about today’s changing environment and how “America was great” when there were 50,000 buffalo as well as native grasses. Instead of the now 28 million cattle that require industry of fossil fuels to raise and produce them. She then asked us how to create a post carbon economy due to us having no plan for climate change. LaDuke introduced the “Sitting Bull Plan” which helps indigenous tribes plan for climate change, otherwise known as the Green New Deal. The first step is to not waste as much energy and get efficient. “The future is solar” it has more jobs than fossil fuels and can produce loads of energy. Another solution is solutionary rails, most of the world already has train tracks but don’t use them as much as they should. Steel on steel uses 1/5 of the friction used on roads. Lastly, hemp textiles were introduced. They can produce twice as much per acre than cotton and not use as much water to make. While also being able to make water bottles, clothing, rope, milk, etc. After that she asked for question, one of the questions that stood out the most was “what can college students do?” he response was to have the ability to be critical and coherent thinkers.

This relates to our class for many different reasons, her talk to make this word a more sustainable place for all with little recommendations to make. As well as the article that we read about her work. And lastly, her talk of environmental injustice, reminded me of the case study of Warren County and the PCB landfill. She fights for bans on pipeline and her area has been taken over with big businesses trying to put pipelines in her area and releasing more carbon into the air. She believes they are putting them in that area because of the minority and low income of the people that inhabit the area. Which is a direct correlation to the Warren County case study.

Although I did not get a photo of myself at the presentation, I have the flyer that was released for the talk. I am still honored to be able to attend such a wonderful event. Thank you to everyone that provided help to this talk!