IV. Plenary: Honoring Longperson: The Journey to Acknowledge the Inherent Rights of Nature

Session Type: 
Oral
Session Date and Time: 
Thursday, 21 May, 2026 - 11:00 to 12:00
Location: 
TBD
Primary Organizer/Session Chair: 
Kimberly Smith
Organization/Affiliation: 
NAIWA Daughters

This talk discusses the significance of water and waterways from a Cherokee perspective. Members of the Cherokee Chapter discuss their efforts to protect waterways of the Southeast as the Longperson with its head resting in the mountains and feet touching the sea. NAIWA Daughters discuss their successful introduction and passing of the first all-female, second youth-led rights of nature resolution in January 2026 and what they're doing now.