Excerpt of an interview with Shawn Yanity (Stillaguamish) from the Native Perspectives on Sustainability project. Yanity speaks to the Stillaguamish view that language is a sacred gift that should be used to uplift others. He contrasts that view with the "mud-slinging" of modern politics. Visit www.nativeperspectives.net for complete transcript of interview.

Excerpt of an interview with Nichole Maher (Tlingit) from the Native Perspectives on Sustainability project  Maher discusses the idea of cultural sustainability in terms of focusing on preserving the strengths and gifts of indigenous cultures and instilling youth with a sense of responsibility and belonging. See http://www.nativeperspectives.net 

Jim Manion, Janeen Comenote, Allen Pinkham, Sr., A. Brian Wallace, and Patricia L. Whitefoot speak about their vision for hope.

12/3/09 — Ecotrust today recognized five of the Wests most innovative indigenous leaders for their efforts to improve conditions in their communities. The recipients were selected by a panel of tribal leaders, and their efforts span the areas of youth advocacy, education, renewable energy, cultural restoration and scholarship.

The Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Award has quietly become one of the preeminent programs honoring and supporting tribal, First Nation, and Alaska Native leaders in the West. Tribes and First Nations are more than an ethnic or minority demographic; they are nations and representative governments, major land owners, committed co-managers in natural resources, and they are major drivers of local and regional economies. Tribes, First Nations, and Alaska Natives hold long-range vision, sustainable societal values and a history of the land and marine and terrestrial ecosystems that provide a sense of place in the growing global economy.