Oklahoma's youth are stepping up to shape the future of their world, particularly when it relates to climate change. The Cherokee Nation has recently taken significant steps to solicit the opinions, ideas, and concerns of young citizens through its Youth Climate Change and Environmental Protection Task Force.
The Task Force has launched a survey targeting Cherokee youth aged 14 to 24. The survey aims to gather insights on how climate change has impacted their lives and thoughts on environmental protection efforts.
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. emphasized the importance of giving young Cherokee citizens the opportunity to articulate their views. "It is critical to listen to the thoughts of our young people as they have invaluable perspectives on these pressing issues," he stated.
The survey can be accessed via the Gadugi Portal, where participants can easily find the application titled “Youth Climate Change and Environmental Protection Task Force Survey.” Completing this survey is estimated to take between 10 to 30 minutes, and responses will be accepted until August 8 at 4:30 PM.
To encourage participation, the Cherokee Nation is offering participants the chance to win one of several $50 Visa gift cards. This initiative not only incentivizes youth engagement but also emphasizes the value placed on their participation.
Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner previously established the Task Force through the Chief's Executive Order on Further Environmental and Climate Change Goals. It is evident the Cherokee Nation is committed to fostering meaningful conversations around climate action.
Deputy Chief Bryan Warner highlighted the importance of this initiative, expressing, "Our youth have the opportunity to voice how we can shoulder the responsibility of environmental stewardship, respecting the earth and each other."
Alongside the youth Task Force, Cherokee Nation plans to assemble a professional panel composed of experts from various departments. Led by Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice, this panel will tackle environmental challenges and recommend solutions based on the insights gathered from the surveys.
Warner stressed, “Cherokee values push us to respect the earth as a gift from the Creator. The responsibility to protect our environment falls partly on our youth to help guide how we do this.”
This call for youth involvement is particularly important as the younger generation faces unprecedented climate challenges. It’s not just about expressing views; it's about equipping the Cherokee Nation with insights to improve current environmental programs.
This initiative mirrors similar moves seen across the globe as youth climate councils proliferate. Such councils focus on giving younger individuals the power to speak directly to policymakers and influence environmental agendas.
Meanwhile, concerns about the effectiveness of these councils are becoming a topic of debate, as witnessed recently with the youth climate council formed in Nova Scotia. Some of its first members expressed mixed feelings about whether the council genuinely achieves its intended goals.
The inaugural members felt the council didn’t meet expectations on engaging effectively with government officials or translating their ideas effectively. Youth like Taryn Grant are now amplifying such sentiments and calling for reassessment of the council's outcomes to better fulfill its promise.
During discussions, these members have raised questions about whether their input is actually valued and actionable. Taryn Grant's reflections shed light on broader issues facing youth engagement platforms, questioning what makes them truly effective.
Despite these worries, the concept of youth climate councils remains popular. They serve as valuable platforms for young individuals to unite their voices, presenting organized perspectives on critical issues like climate change.
With the increasing urgency of climate action, councils like these provide much-needed spaces for young people to express their thoughts directly to those who make decisions. It nurtures their role as active participants rather than passive observers in environmental dialogue.
Back to Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation is prioritizing this engagement with their cultural heritage deeply tied to the land they inhabit. The hope is to inspire broader conversations and empower youth perspectives across tribal boundaries.
Participants interested in the survey can consult the Gadugi Portal for assistance, reaching out to the call center or emailing for support. This encouragement exemplifies the Cherokee Nation's dedication to ensuring youth voices are not just heard but also influential.
Climate action represents not just environmental stewardship but also social equity, as vulnerable communities often bear the brunt of climate change's impacts. This awareness is particularly salient for indigenous youth, who face unique challenges related to land and resource management.
By equipping young people with the tools to express their concerns, the Cherokee Nation illustrates its commitment to inclusivity. Each response collected provides critical data necessary for informing policy and initiatives focused on sustainable practices.
This initiative stands as more than just survey responses; it highlights the hope for collective action against climate change—a common thread uniting youth worldwide. From Oklahoma to Nova Scotia, the clarion call for youth engagement is heard loud and clear, urging all stakeholders to join hands for better environmental futures.
Thus, the effectiveness of the Cherokee Nation’s project will be closely watched. It may serve as inspiration for other nations and communities seeking to promote active youth participation and devise meaningful climate action strategies.
Although challenges remain, this trend reflects hopeful strides toward addressing climate change through collective youth engagement globally. The ability of youth to assert their influence could redefine not just the environmental discussion but the entire framework of future decision-making.
If successful, initiatives like those undertaken by the Cherokee Nation and even the emerging councils worldwide can symbolize the rising influence of younger generations. They remind us all of the importance of listening—and acting—on behalf of the future.
From local councils to recognized tribes, the message is clear: youth are ready to tackle climate challenges head-on, and the world should be prepared to support them. The future is bright when it’s paved with the voices of the young, leading us toward sustainability.
