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Liyang Network Western Massachusetts
June 24
Our purpose is to provide public education on the role of indigenous activism in environmental protection and food sovereignty, and to encourage cross- community dialogue, projects, and fundraising efforts across Western Mass. We build bridges between local groups and individuals (indigenous and non-indigenous) and draw inspiration and concrete lessons from the work of Lumad community led schools in the Philippines, based on the principals of sustainable, organic agriculture, holistic health, and culturally responsive academics. Fundamentally, we believe that indigenous knowledge is central to environmental conservation and climate resiliency, and strive to bring this perspective into a diverse range of community partners. We formed this group after a group of indigenous school teachers and activists from the Philippines came to Western Massachussetts in 2017 to meet with Native scholars & community members, environmental organizations, and communities of color. In 2018 and 2019, individuals and groups of community members,including students, environmental activists, community educators, and Native people fundraised and sent representatives to travel to the Philippines to deepen their exchange with Lumad communities. In August of 2019, a core group of 8 people came together to form Liyang Western Mass. Since then, we have organized educational events in Western Mass (Springfield, Amherst, Holyoke, Northampton), Vermont and New York.
