By Lucas Kasosi (Maasai, CS Fellow)

​Each year on February 2, the world observes World Wetlands Day, marking the 1971 adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran. What began as a modest international agreement has grown into a global framework for recognizing the ecological, social, and economic importance of wetlands, ecosystems once dismissed as wastelands, but now understood as essential to life on Earth.

Cultural Survival's community includes people from all walks of life, with beautiful stories to tell of your own about why you decided to become an advocate for Indigenous Peoples' rights. Sharing these stories further connects our community, provides much-needed solidarity and validation to our staff and partners on the ground, and helps us inspire others to join our movement. We are excited to spotlight members and former interns of our community and highlight your contributions and perspectives through our Cultural Survival Spotlight series. 

By Prabindra Shakya (Newa) and Johnson Jament (Mukkuvar)

The Metals Company (TMC), a Canadian firm at the forefront of deep-sea mining, has rapidly expanded its operations across the Pacific, targeting areas vital to Indigenous and other coastal communities in Asia and the Pacific. Although the TMC is not yet commercially mining the seabed, they are pushing to begin mining aggressively – applying for U.S. permits in 2025 and conducting pilot collections (such as 2,000 tons for Nauru).

A practical guide for Indigenous Peoples on using the OECD Guidelines to protect their rights.

Indigenous Peoples worldwide face increasing threats from large-scale resource extraction, agribusiness, and infrastructure projects carried out on their lands. These activities often result in loss of livelihoods, community disruption, and the erosion of cultural heritage.

Freelance journalism is growing increasingly global every year, but finding the right people for the right stories or projects can still be a challenge. In response, the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) launched its Freelancer Database in September 2025, which is a searchable directory to support and spotlight IJA members while connecting them with vetted organizations.

By Elisa Ribeiro (CS Intern)

“I believe that giving young people the opportunity to gain experience and develop leadership skills, learn about their traditional way of life, and increase their self-esteem can pave the way for a generation of outstanding leaders who participate in all aspects of community development.” -Kim Spencer, CS Youth Fellow

By Bryan Bixcul (Maya-Tz’utujil), SIRGE Coalition Global Coordinator

By Mariana Kiimi Ortiz Flores (Ñuu Savi/Mixteca, CS Staff)​

With Native American Heritage Month well underway and Thanksgiving/National Day of Mourning occurring today, let us celebrate Indigenous brilliance, honor, and acknowledge the truth in history, recognize whose land we are on, and work towards true allyship.

Indigenous Peoples’ collective closing statement at COP30, delivered by Diana Chavez Vargas of Ecuador.

Thank you, Chair,

The Amazon, our home is the next global oil frontier.

Indigenous Peoples are under attack.

We face colonial militarization of our territories, where states and corporations trade our lives for fossil fuels, transition minerals, and large-scale renewables.

We stand in solidarity with our Amazonian relatives and condemn the killing of land defenders. This was mirrored by the heavy militarization of this COP.

Food is a living expression of culture, memory, and identity. Across Native American nations, it remains a powerful act of resistance and reclamation. During Native American Heritage Month, we honor the Indigenous knowledge keepers who are revitalizing traditional foodways, restoring relationships to land, and challenging colonial erasure through the dishes they create. Indigenous chefs are not only preserving ancestral ingredients and cooking techniques, but also strengthening food sovereignty, community health, and cultural pride.

By Chenae Bullock (Shinnecock)