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TAKE ACTION
EXPLORE THE DISCUSSION GUIDE
This guide is the main resource for Enraizados (Our Roots Remain), designed to support screenings in classrooms, community spaces, and advocacy settings. It includes background on Cherán, discussion prompts, and tips for creating thoughtful, inclusive dialogue. Available for download here.
After watching “Our Roots Remain,” consider how you can respond to the powerful call to action that Cherán’s story presents. The film highlights the importance of indigenous-led environmental stewardship and the ongoing fight for autonomy. Reflecting on this, here are some ways you can take meaningful action in your own community:
1
Deepen Your Understanding of Indigenous Histories and Rights
Begin by educating yourself about the history and current realities of Indigenous communities in your area. Reflect on how your own experiences are connected to their struggles and how you can stand in solidarity rather than simply offering support from a distance. Prioritize listening to Indigenous voices and learning from their perspectives. Attend events, read Indigenous authors, and engage with Indigenous-led media to deepen your understanding of their issues and aspirations
2
Support Indigenous-Led Initiatives
Support Indigenous-led projects by offering your time, skills, or financial resources in areas like environmental conservation, cultural preservation, or education. For example, you could volunteer your expertise in social media to help amplify an Indigenous organization's message, donate to community-driven initiatives, or participate in local Indigenous events and cultural activities. Always follow the community’s lead, ensuring your contributions align with their needs and priorities, rather than imposing your own ideas or agenda. The goal is to support their vision and empower their efforts.
3
Advocate for Indigenous Rights and Environmental Protection
Advocate for Indigenous rights by promoting reconciliation, respecting their land, culture, and self-determination, and addressing past injustices through dialogue and action. Support efforts to prevent environmental harm in Indigenous territories, amplify Indigenous voices, and ensure they lead conversations about their own rights. Push for Indigenous representation in decision-making processes at all levels, including government and environmental organizations.
4
Ongoing Solidarity and Community Engagement
Solidarity is an ongoing commitment. Continue supporting Indigenous struggles by staying informed and involved. Educate your community through activities like screening Our Roots Remain, starting a book club on Indigenous authors, or organizing film viewings that highlight Indigenous issues. These actions foster meaningful conversations, encourage action, and support Indigenous-led initiatives.
RESOURCES
MEDIA INITIATIVES
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The Redford Center: Supports storytelling for environmental justice and Indigenous rights. This project was funded by The Redford Center. The Redford Center
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Indigenous Media Foundation: Empowers Indigenous communities to share their stories globally through media. Indigenous Media Foundation
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ImagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival: The largest Indigenous film and media arts festival, promoting Indigenous cultural expression and activism. ImagineNATIVE
ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS
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Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN): Addresses environmental and economic justice issues, protecting Indigenous lands and fostering sustainable communities. IEN
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Centro Mexicano de Derecho Ambiental (CEMDA) (MX): Provides legal support to Indigenous communities defending their environmental rights. CEMDA
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Forest Peoples Programme: Supports Indigenous forest communities worldwide in securing their land rights and advocating for self-determination. Forest Peoples Programme
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Global Witness: Investigates and campaigns against environmental and human rights abuses, focusing on protecting Indigenous land defenders. Global Witness
SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
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Red de Jóvenes Indígenas (MX): A network of Indigenous youth in Mexico promoting Indigenous rights, autonomy, and cultural heritage. Red de Jóvenes Indígenas
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International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA): Promotes and defends Indigenous peoples' rights globally, focusing on autonomy and self-determination. IWGIA
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES IN CHERÁN
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Espacio para la Cultura Ambiental, ECA A.C.: Supports environmental education and sustainability initiatives in Michoacán, including environmental literacy and sustainable agriculture programs.
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Red de Etnoecología y Patrimonio Biocultural: Promotes the conservation of biocultural heritage in Mexico, focusing on Indigenous knowledge and environmental sustainability.
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Grupo Interdisciplinario de Tecnología Rural Apropiada, GIRA A.C.: Works on sustainable rural development projects in Mexico, supporting community-driven environmental protection and empowerment.
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Instituto Tecnológico Superior P’urhépecha: An educational institution that promotes higher education for the P’urhépecha community, focusing on cultural preservation and technological advancement.