Autumn Peltier is an indigenous Canadian teen who gave her first speech for universal access to clean and safe water when she was just 8-years-old.
Today, she’s still young, but it has been 5 years since her first speech. In fact, she’s been quite active throughout the years and has even been nominated for the International Children’s Peace Award.
Along the way, she gained some amazing support, including that of Justin Trudeau, the PM of Canada.
Last year in October, the young lady criticized the government of Trudeau for their approval of two pipeline expansions that are a threat to the safety of the drinking water in British Columbia.
Making Waves from a Young Age: Fierce Advocate for Water Accessibility
Trudeau promised Peltier that he would take the necessary measures to keep their waters save. However, it remains to be seen if he will fulfill his promise.
Peltier has been nominated for this amazing award because she’s done several important things.
She represented the indigenous youngsters from Canada at the climate conference in Sweden and also helped make a communiqué of children demands for climate action.
This was presented to world leaders on the UN Climate Conference 4 years ago.
She has also inspired national action by calling for highways to be closed for an hour on the December 5th in 2016 to increase awareness about the importance of protecting water.
Only 13-years-old, this girl has done for this planet more than most adults. Young Peltier once said that ‘I’m from this land. My ancestors are buried here. The land is our land; it’s a part of me and part of everything I am and everything I do’.
Not the Only One from Her Family Making a Change
Peltier isn’t the only indigenous Canadian who’s trying to improve the environment.
Her aunt, Josephine Mandamin trekked the shores of the 5 Canadian great lakes in the name of environment protection.
She received the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation.
It’s vital to note that it’s not just indigenous people who should care about the environment and try to make a positive change.
As Peltier once said, ‘if we don’t speak up now, how much worse is it going to be?’
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