While the wisdom of the elders forms the foundation of indigenous cultures, the young generation is shaping the future. At the intersection of tradition and modernity, of activist struggle and digital innovations, a new wave of indigenous leadership is emerging. These young people are not only advocating for the rights of their communities but are bringing indigenous perspectives into global debates about climate, technology, art, and politics. Here are ten young indigenous leaders from different parts of the world whose voices and actions will be decisive now and in the coming years.
1. Ta’Kaiya Blaney – The Voice of the Coast from the Tla’Amin Nation
The Canadian indigenous activist, singer, and actress has been advocating for environmental justice since her childhood. As an ambassador for “Native Children’s Survival”, she fights against pipeline projects on Canada’s west coast. Her powerful speeches at UN conferences and her music, which combines traditional sounds with political messages, make her an inspiring figure for youth. She perfectly blends artistic expression with political activism.
2. Nemonte Nenquimo – The Amazon Leader of the Waorani
The Ecuadorian Waorani leader spearheaded a historic legal battle in 2019 that set a precedent for indigenous land rights. The victory protected 500,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest from oil extraction. As co-founder of the “Ceibo Alliance” and as the first indigenous woman on the cover of TIME Magazine (2020), she is a global symbol of resistance against rainforest destruction and the strength of indigenous women.
3. Xiuhtezcatl Martinez – The Hip-Hop Climate Activist of Aztec Tradition
The young climate activist, musician, and director of “Earth Guardians” has been bringing his indigenous perspective (Aztec heritage) into the climate movement since he was six years old. His climate lawsuits against the US government made headlines. Through his hip-hop music and his book “We Rise,” he reaches young people specifically and shows how indigenous worldviews can offer solutions to the climate crisis.
4. Tuhi Martukaw – The Digital Bridge Builder of Taiwanese Indigenous Peoples
The member of the Paiwan people uses digital media to increase the visibility of Taiwan’s 16 officially recognized indigenous peoples. As a moderator, YouTuber, and political commentator, she breaks stereotypes and explains contemporary indigenous issues to a broad audience. Her work is central for the younger generation, which is renegotiating its identity in a modern, urban environment.
5. Tokata Iron Eyes – The Water Protector of the Standing Rock Sioux
As a teenager, she was one of the most prominent faces of the resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock. Today, the young Lakota activist continuously advocates for indigenous sovereignty, climate justice, and youth rights. Her work focuses on organizing young indigenous people and bringing their voices to the forefront.
6. Helena Gualinga – The International Voice of the Kichwa from Sarayaku
The climate activist from the Ecuadorian Amazon (Kichwa community of Sarayaku) has been representing her community on international stages since her youth – at COP, in the EU Parliament, and in global media. She tirelessly fights against the exploitation of resources in indigenous territories and for the recognition of the “Living Forest” (Kawsak Sacha) as a legal entity. Her family has been in resistance for generations, and she continues this legacy with modern means.
7. Quannah Chasinghorse – The Indigenous Model and Land Protector of the Hän Gwich’in
The supermodel with iconic facial tattoos uses her huge platform in the fashion industry to draw attention to the threat to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the rights of the Gwich’in. She is not only a fashion icon but a determined activist who shows how indigenous presence in mainstream media can be used to convey central concerns.
8. Autumn Peltier – The “Water Walker” of the Anishinaabe
The Canadian water activist of the Anishinaabe began fighting for the human right to clean water at the age of 8. As “Water Commissioner” of the Anishinabek Nation, she spoke before the United Nations at age 13. She holds governments accountable and teaches that water is sacred and not a commodity. Her title “Water Warrior” is her program.
9. Victor Lopez-Carmen – The Global Health Activist of the Crow Creek Sioux and Yaqui
The medical student and former co-chair of the UN Global Indigenous Youth Caucus advocates for health equity for indigenous communities worldwide. His work combines medical knowledge with advocacy for clean water, healthy nutrition, and fighting systemic inequalities. He represents a new generation of indigenous professionals changing systems from within.
10. Tiamana Moeau – The Language Revitalizer of the Māori
The young Māori activist from Aotearoa/New Zealand is a leader in the movement to revitalize the te reo Māori language. Through innovative social media campaigns, creating modern learning apps, and organizing language immersion camps for youth, she makes her language relevant and alive for the younger generation. Her work secures the cultural heart for the future.
What These Leaders Have in Common
These ten young people clearly show that indigenous leadership in the 21st century is diverse. They use legal tools, social media, art, science, and direct activism. Their common denominator is deep rootedness in their culture combined with the strategic use of global platforms. They are not only fighting against injustice but actively offering solutions based on indigenous knowledge.
How You Can Support This New Generation
- Follow and Amplify Their Work: Follow them on social media, share their content, and increase their visibility.
- Support Indigenous-led Organizations: Donate to or get involved with groups led by young indigenous people.
- Listen Directly: Consume their own words – through their books, podcasts, music, or lectures – instead of just reading about them.
- Demand Representation: Advocate in media, politics, and conferences for young indigenous voices to be invited and properly heard.
- Respect Their Leadership: Acknowledge their expertise and support their demands for self-determination.
The young people presented here are only a snapshot of a much larger, global movement. They stand for a future where indigenous wisdom, innovation, and resilience will be crucial for solving global crises. By recognizing and supporting their leadership, we invest in a more just and sustainable world for all. They are not only the future of their own communities – their visions are shaping our common future.