GreenAction at the 18th Protecting Mother Earth Conference

During August of 2024 Kerri Pulley and I attended the 18th Protecting Mother Earth conference. It was held on the Qualla Boundary Land Trust of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. The conference was founded by the Indigenous Environmental Network. There were over 900 participants from all over Turtle Island. Speakers and teachers represented indigenous peoples from around the world.
 
Kerri identified Bradley Angel as someone we should be interviewing, and she was right. Bradley is the executive director of GreenAction for Health and Environmental Justice. Between this grassroots advocating group and another multinational green group he previously worked for he has over 40 years of experience organizing, advocating, and networking for healthier environments for the poor, marginalized, and exploited populations. Green Action is a grassroots organization that was founded in 1997. They have had numerous victories in closing down polluting facilities and blocking harmful proposals. Green Action has been instrumental in encouraging changes in industry policies, participating in toxic cleanups, and improving environmental justice policies.
 
Bradley Angel talked about the early days of the Indigenous Environmental Network. He said the first Protecting Mother Earth conference had 200 participants and was deemed a big success. The second PME conference had 500 attendees. Bradley has attended all 18 of the Protecting Mother Earth conferences and was active in the creation of both the Indigenous Environmental Network and the Protecting Mother Earth conferences.
 
As you watch the interview you will get a sense of his effectiveness as an ally. This includes humility (he does not need to be in charge and follows the lead of the Indigenous leaders), he values diversity and inclusivity, and he shares a profound love for Mother Earth.

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