Greetings!

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November is Indigenous Peoples Month. How can we deepen our knowledge of Indigenous people and support their struggles, this month and going forward?

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We have integrated land and labor acknowledgements into our Executive Committee meetings. It is important to not only acknowledge that we live on lands that are unceded territories of Indigenous Americans, but also to dedicate some of our time to learning more about these peoples. What do you know about the Indigenous peoples from the area where you live now, or in your past? You can start by locating the peoples who lived in your part of Quinnehtukqut.

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This month, Sierra Club Connecticut offers you two great opportunities to learn more and take action in support of Indigenous people’s rights. 

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• On November 10, join us at the Rally to Protect the Arctic and the Gwich’in Nation peoples. We will march to the Travelers insurance company to demand that they cease underwriting oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Here in Connecticut, “Insurance Capital of the World”, we are in a unique position of strength to influence the outcome of this crucial campaign to save the Arctic Refuge. Learn more about this ongoing campaign and other actions you can take. Register here for the rally.

• Then, on November 26, we will be screening Powerlands, in partnership with Copper Beech Institute. This award-winning documentary, directed by Navajo filmmaker Ivey Camille Manybeads Tso, shares the story of the displacement of Indigenous people and devastation of the environment caused by fossil fuel and chemical companies. Manybeads Tso focuses on her homeland, the Navajo nation, in its struggle with Peabody Coal, and continues on to Columbia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Standing Rock. 

Watch the Powerlands trailer. 

Watch an interview and clips

Come to the screening! Register here.

 

On November 11, we’ll bring you an exciting solutions-focused film about the climate crisis! Please join Sierra Club Connecticut, Sunrise Connecticut, Yale Student Environmental Coalition, and SCSU Geography, Environmental and Marine Sciences Club for a screening of the film 2040 followed by a social mixer! “2040 is a story of hope that looks at how humanity could reverse global warming and improve the lives of every living thing in the process.” Register here.

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You may register for these events and others on our Events & Outings page.

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In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’d like to continue giving thanks to some of our wonderful volunteers, a “tradition” I started last year, but hope to see continued. It is so important to appreciate all the great work our Chapter is doing. And that means appreciating our members! Sierra Club is unique in that it has a deep grassroots base and empowers its members to become leaders in our climate campaigns. If you’d like to do more, we’ll be happy to help you find the right place to get involved!

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There are so many of our volunteer leaders doing exceptional work, and I would like to thank just a couple of them here:

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• Marcia Wilkins, one of our longest and most active members, for Chairing our Conservation Committee, and holding many other leadership positions with her winning grace and humor.

• All the Political Committee members for their dedication to this year’s endorsement process, where we received a record number of applications from candidates for the State House and Senate.

• Dennis Desmarais for his heroic Climate Rides in support of Sierra Club Connecticut, and for his many years of serving on the Executive Committee as Secretary. Dennis is going off the Ex Com because of term limits – he will be greatly missed!

• Steve and Kristen Lewis for hosting a fabulous House and Garden Party fundraiser at their lovely, and green, home.

• And many others - you know who you are!

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Wishing you and yours a Thanksgiving full of peace, companionship, and pie! 

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Feast on!

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Susan

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Susan Eastwood is Chapter Chair of Sierra Club Connecticut.