This #IndigenousPeoplesDay, we’re honoring Indigenous-led protest movements that have shaped the collective struggle for justice, and the act of protest as we know it today. From Black Hills to Oak Flat, Indigenous leaders have put everything on the line to protect land, water, and life itself. 👇

Red Hill Water Crisis (2021-ongoing) When the US Navy’s Red Hill fuel tanks leaked into O’ahu’s aquifer, Kanaka ‘Ōiwi (Native Hawaiian) organizers led the fight to protect the island’s water. They called it environmental violence and won a permanent shutdown. #WaterIsLife

Wet’suwet’en Resistance (2019-ongoing) Hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation continue to oppose the Coastal GasLink pipeline across unceded territory. Their defense of land and law sparked a wave of solidarity blockades across so-called Canada. #WetsuwetenStrong

Line 3 Pipeline Resistance (2017-2021) Anishinaabe women and Two-Spirit land defenders led the fight against the Line 3 tar sands pipeline. Their resistance linked climate justice to treaty rights, and showed what it means to protect water and future generations. #StopLine3

Standing Rock/#NoDAPL (2016-ongoing) The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and thousands of Indigenous Water Protectors stood against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Their courage and solidarity shifted global consciousness and redefined the climate justice movement. #MniWiconi #WaterIsLife

Mauna Kea Protectors (2014-ongoing) Kanaka ‘Ōiwi (Native Hawaiians) have resisted construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the sacred Mauna Kea volcano for over a decade. Their movement is a model for spiritual and ecological defense. #ProtectMaunaKea @kanaeokana.bsky.social

Idle No More (2012-2013) Founded by three Indigenous women and one non-Native ally in so-called Canada, #IdleNoMore sparked a global movement.Through teach-ins, songs, and round dances, it called for sovereignty, protection of the land, and renewal of Indigenous law.

Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls (1990s-ongoing) This movement exposes the crisis of violence, disappearance, and murder of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit people, and relatives. The red handprint has become a universal symbol of grief, rage, and love because of #MMIWG.

Alcatraz Occupation (1969-1971) The activist group Indians of All Tribes (IAT) reclaimed the abandoned Bay Area prison and held it for 19 months. Their action reawakened Indigenous activism, and reshaped the struggle for sovereignty across generations. #AlcatrazOccupation

Land Back/Mount Rushmore (1868-ongoing) #LandBack is rooted in the Lakota demand to return the Black Hills – land stolen and desecrated by Mount Rushmore. Since the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty was broken, people have marched, occupied, and reclaimed space to demand the land’s return.