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Protecting Mother Earth 2024 August 1-4 2024

IEN’s Protecting Mother Earth conference, after five years of dormancy presents:

The 18th Protecting Mother Earth Conference, hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee, from August 1 to 4, 2024.

Protecting Mother Earth (PME) Conferences are all-outdoor events, and this year, the theme will be Indigenous Just Transition. We will gather on the Qualla Boundary, located in the mountains of what is now known as Western North Carolina, the original homeland of the Cherokee Peoples. 

This is a free, outdoor event (registration required) with the expectation that guests (if able) will camp on-site.

The PME is Indigenous-initiated, organized, and led to elevate the critical voices of those fighting the frontline battles against the violation of our treaty rights, self-determination, environmental injustice, and climate change. We welcome Indigenous Peoples, frontline grassroots groups, and tribal nation representatives – allies and CJ/EJ advocates across Turtle Island.

Click here to register

The 4-day event will include plenaries and break-out sessions addressing the following key themes: 

  • Climate Justice
  • Extreme vs. Renewable Energy
  • Mining
  • Indigenous Relationship Jurisprudence (IRJ)
  • False Solutions to Climate Change
  • Food Sovereignty
  • Environmental Health
  • Indigenous Just Transition
  • Rights of Nature / Mother Earth

You will need to bring:

  • Camping gear: tent, sleeping bag/bed roll.*
  • Camp chairs and blankets for seating at various events and entertainment.
  • To limit single-use plastics and waste, we ask that everyone bring their own dishes, eating utensils, cups, and water bottles.
  • Bath towels, flashlights, and non-toxic personal hygiene products.
  •  Medication and other personal items while attending the PME.

We provide: 

  • Comfort stations; showers and restrooms.
  • Daycare will be provided during the day’s events. Parents are expected to retrieve your children during mealtimes and share meals with them.
  • Meals. Special diets will be honored as much as possible. If your dietary needs are highly specialized, be prepared to provide these for yourself.
  • Wellness tents, snacks, and drinks will also be available.
  • Limited travel scholarships will be offered by application, encouraging community support for ground travel accommodations when possible.

*Limited camp gear will be available for those unable to transport their own. These will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If fires will be allowed, campfire wood will be provided locally. To prevent the spread of pests and pathogens, please do not bring firewood with you. 

Please leave pets at home. We will allow verified emotional support and service companions within reason.

Firearms, drugs, and alcohol are strictly prohibited while attending the conference and on the property where the PME is being conducted.

Please stay tuned for updates: volunteer sign-up, travel scholarships, ride-share, and additional information as the 18th Protecting Mother Earth Conference days draw closer.

We sincerely hope you can join us for our event! For more info email: PME2024@ienearth.org

Click here to register
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