Indigenous Youth at COP26 to Influence Policy
Nine Indigenous youth climate activists journeyed to Glasgow from around the globe to attend COP26. They came here with a shared view of how lands and waters are connected, and how to care for them. They would also like to see plans to protect human rights and Indigenous rights spelled out in the text of the COP agreement. But, even though they have had meetings with top officials, these activists are sometimes on the outside looking in, trying to carve out space for their people. Now that they’re at the conference, they say it sometimes feels like everyone wants to put them in a box and force them to conform to standards with a history of colonialism.
Students Engage in Community Service at the Dakota Zoo
Bismarck Public Schools is teaching their students that giving back is key. With the weather steadily growing colder, there is work that needs to be done to clean outdoor recreation areas. Two groups of Wachter Middle School- 8th grade students made their way to the Dakota Zoo to help in their clean up efforts. While at the zoo they helped to rake leaves. Over the course of two days, 300 students were able to take part in the project. The school hosts a community service event every year around this time. Wachter Middle School teacher, Kevin Schmitcke, says this is a great opportunity for kids to work together outside the classroom. Read more here.