Ecofeminism Summit Keynote: Eriel Tchekwie Deranger
Indigenous Rights & Climate Activist
Friday, April 28 Noon-1:00 pm
Virtual viewing at the Women's Resources Center or register to join on Zoom: https://go.illinois.edu/Eriel
Eriel Tchekwie Deranger is a Dënesųłiné mother from the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) and the Executive Director and co-founder of Indigenous Climate Action (ICA), an Indigenous-led climate justice organization in so-called Canada. Deranger is a member of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change, and sits on various boards including Bioneers, It Takes Roots Leadership Council, Climate Justice Resiliency Fund Council of Advisors, the UK Tar Sands Network and WWF Canada; and was a founding member of the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus. Deranger’s work focuses on Indigenous rights and building intersectional dialogue between Indigenous rights, climate justice and other social justice movements. She is recognized for her role as the spokespersons for her community (ACFN) in the international Indigenous Tar Sands Campaign and developing the Tar Sands Healing Walk.
Deranger has a far reaching reputation for challenging fossil fuel development and championing the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Deranger has over a decade of experience working with environmental organizations as well as front-line Indigenous knowledge holders, water protectors and land defenders across Turtle Island. Prior to leading ICA, Deranger worked for her Nation as the strategic Communications and Climate Change Coordinator. She is an active member of the UN Indigenous Peoples Caucus and sought after globally as an opinion leader on climate change and Indigenous rights.Lunch will be provided.
Funding provided by the Student Sustainability Committee. Additional funding provided by the Student Cultural Programming Fee.
