12 Inspiring Quotes From Indigenous Leaders
According to the United Nations, there are currently more than 370 million Indigenous people spread across 70 countries worldwide. In total, they belong to some 5,000 different Indigenous groups and speak more than 4,000 languages. Many of these groups have distinct social, economic, and political systems, as well as distinct culture and beliefs. Sadly, they are often marginalized or directly threatened by more dominant powers in society — despite having been the original inhabitants of the land they occupy.
Indigenous peoples often have a strong attachment, understanding, and respect for their native lands, be it the great plains of the United States, the Canadian prairies, or the Amazon rainforest. This connection is frequently apparent in the wise words of Indigenous leaders both past and present. Today, with many Indigenous communities on the frontlines of the battle to protect our natural world, this wisdom is perhaps more important than ever.
The following quotes span the centuries and the globe, from the words of famous Native American chiefs to the current leaders of Indigenous peoples still struggling to protect their lands, their heritage, and the planet.
Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee tried to unite several Native American tribes before his death in the War of 1812.
Chief Seattle of the Duwamish and Suquamish is the namesake of the city of Seattle, Washington.
Chief Peguis of the Saulteaux, Canada. Peguis initially helped European settlers, saving some from starvation, but became increasingly concerned about illegal settlement on tribal lands.
Chief Joseph of the Wal-lam-wat-kain (Wallowa) band of Nez Perce, who led his people through a tumultuous period of forced removal from their ancestral lands by the United States federal government.
Chief Luther Standing Bear of the Oglala Sioux was an author, philosopher, and actor who fought to preserve his heritage.
Chief Dan George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation of Canada was an actor, musician, poet, and author.
Oren Lyons is the Onandaga Nation Chief and member of the Indigenous Peoples of the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations.
Wilma Mankiller was an American Cherokee activist and social worker who became the first woman elected as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Nemonte Nenquimo is a Waorani leader of the Ecuadorian Amazon. In 2020, she was the only Indigenous woman on the Time 100 list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Miriam Miranda, of the Garífuna community of Honduras, bravely continues her fight for human and environmental rights today despite facing numerous hardships.
Silvia Carrera is the the cacique general of the Ngöbe-Buglé Comarca Indigenous territory of western Panama, known for her ongoing battle against mineral mining.
Aura Lolita Chávez, a women’s rights activist and member of the Council of K’iche Peoples in Guatemala, is a prominent global leader in the struggle to preserve natural resources. 
