Native youth featured at first-ever national youth summit on climate change

Power Shift 2007 demonstrators outside Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy photo).

Power Shift 2007 demonstrators outside Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy photo).

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - More than 30 Native people were among more than 6,000 people to participate in Power Shift 2007, held at the University of Maryland Nov 2-5. Among these, 14 individuals were from the Southwest and represented the Navajo, Hopi and Pueblo tribes.

Students involved in the Campus Climate Challenge and members of the Energy Action Coalition organized Power Shift 2007, proclaimed the "First Ever National Youth Summit on Climate Change." For three days, more than 6,000 participants were presented with speakers, panelists, and workshops concerned with and speaking out against climate change, some of which were Native.

Power Shift 2007 ended on Nov. 5 with a lobby day on Capitol Hill. The Southwest Native delegation met and talked with staff from Rick Renzi and Jon Kyl's offices as well as members of the Navajo Nation Washington Office. Global warming, climate change, and local community affects were addressed at these meetings.

"The meetings with our legislators were interesting. Both offices seem to take into account our concerns about global warming and climate change but we will see how much they were listening by what actions they will take in Congress," said Chelsea Chee, Tribal Campus Climate Challenge Coordinator for the Black Mesa Water Coalition.

Power Shift 2007 not only empowered the Native participants and put pressure on their legislators, but also helped to create a network between Native tribes.

Kelly Hubbell, Navajo participant from Window Rock said, "Power Shift 2007 was an uplifting experience that reignited my desire to get involved in the struggle for environmental stability. It was inspiring to see thousands of people gathered for a common cause. It was especially uplifting to hear from amazing leaders who have been advocating for many years, yet have not backed down from their beliefs. Overall, Power Shift was an educational and motivating experience that I feel honored to have been involved in."

For more information, visit www.powershift07.org or contact Chelsea Chee by e-mail at chelsea.rc@gmail.com.

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