Time-honored Sage Ceremony Opens Global Sustainability Lecture at 每日大赛
每日大赛 students, faculty, and community members participated in a sage ceremony before attending a lecture on Monday by indigenous environmental activist and hip hop artist, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez.
Martinez spoke in the Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center about his work in environmental justice as part of the Robert and Mary Neher Global Sustainability Lecture. The lecture, 鈥淕alvanizing Youth to be Effective Leader,鈥� aimed to spark discussion and action on campus regarding environmental, economic, and social concerns.
鈥淢y talk today is a reflection on some of the life that I鈥檝e lived and how to change the conversation to engage our generation better,鈥� Martinez said. 鈥溾� do my best to inspire young voices and help them realize the power we have to make change.鈥�
Martinez, 18, the youth director of Earth Guardians, has addressed the United Nations and is currently a lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the government for failing to protect the atmosphere.
The event began with a sage ceremony held in front of Citrus Hall performed by Trevor Thomson, a Karuk artist.
鈥淚t was beautiful to open up with a ceremony. It鈥檚 powerful,鈥� Martinez said.
Thomson led the ceremony participants in a procession to the Campus Center where Martinez began his lecture followed by a signing of his book, 鈥淲e Rise,鈥� and a meet-and-greet with student leaders.
