THE FORGOTTEN VOICES: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES FIGHTING FOR A WOUNDED EARTH

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has released a deeply moving report titled Indigenous Spiritualities, Land Rights, and Climate Justice. This report is not just an academic document but an urgent plea from marginalized Indigenous communities fighting for their stolen lands and a planet suffering from the climate crisis.

The report is the result of the first in-person gathering of the WCC Indigenous Peoples Network Reference Group in October 2024 and was edited by Lori Ransom, WCC Indigenous Peoples Consultant. It amplifies the voices of Indigenous peoples who have long endured the devastating effects of colonialism, land exploitation, and climate change, which continue to threaten their ancestral heritage.

A Cry for Justice from Indigenous Communities

Rev. Dr. Peter Cruchley, Director of the WCC Commission for World Mission and Evangelism, writes in the preface:

"Indigenous peoples continue to suffer the worst impacts of climate change, land loss, racism, poverty, and human rights violations. The legacy of colonialism still haunts them, making them victims of an unjust system."

One of the most powerful voices in the report is that of contributor Anne Pattel-Gray in her essay Freedom from Colonial Christian Oppression. She shares her struggle against the colonial narrative that portrays God as favoring one race over another.

"Our theology is born from our land, founded on our relationship with the Creator Spirit since time began. This deep, ancient wisdom sustains us and gives us the resilience to survive," she writes with hope.

When the Earth Cries, Humanity Must Listen

Another contributor, Shane Goldie, captures the profound connection between Indigenous peoples and the land in his poignant poem “Earth’s Pulse.” In his work, he expresses how humanity’s treatment of the Earth reflects its treatment of itself and others.

He states: “The way we treat the Earth reflects how we treat ourselves and each other.”

Supported by a grant from the German Federal Foreign Office, this report is not just a call for change but a reminder that environmental justice and land rights are not just Indigenous issues—they are human issues that demand collective action.

As the Earth continues to suffer and Indigenous peoples fight to defend their rights, the question is no longer “Do we care?” but “When will we act?”.