Kandi Mossett (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara – North Dakota) of the Indigenous
Environmental Network (IEN) has emerged as a leading voice in the fight to bring
visibility to the impact that climate change and environmental injustice are having on
Indigenous communities across North America.
“Above all, fight to protect all life; be a voice for all those that can’t
speak and never give up hope.”
After completing her Master’s Degree in Environmental Management, Ms. Mossett
began her work with the IEN as Tribal Campus Climate Challenge Coordinator, engaging
with more than 30 tribal colleges to instate community based environmental programs,
discuss issues of socio-ecologic injustice, and connect indigenous youth with green jobs.
She currently serves as the IEN’s Native Energy & Climate Campaign Organizer,
focusing at present on creating awareness about the environmentally & socially
devastating effects of hydraulic fracturing on tribal lands.
Her local work is complemented by international advocacy work, including participation
in several UN Forums and a testimony before the U.S. Congress on the climate issue and
its links to issues of health, identity, and well being on tribal lands.
Kandi’s message is: “Above all, fight to protect all life; be a voice for all those that can’t
speak and never give up hope.” Always remember, “You’re not guaranteed change when
you make your voice heard against injustice; but you’re guaranteed to fail if you remain
silent.”