WILD12: Migratory Birds are Global Citizens—Get Out of Their Way

At the 12th World Wilderness Congress, Deceleration's Ceiba Ili had the opportunity to interview Angute’karaq Estelle Thomson, a Yup’ik traditional medicine practitioner, educator, bird activist from the Southwestern Bering Sea Coast community of Hooper Bay. Thompson shared her wisdom on the importance of migratory birds in her community’s cultural and spiritual life. With over 220 species of nesting birds that arrive in her homeland each year, the significance of these birds extends beyond their physical presence—they are vital to the community’s identity. Thomson’s work focuses on advocating for migratory birds as global citizens, reminding policy makers and western scientific communities that birds, unbound by human borders, must be treated as integral parts of the ecosystem, not nuisances to be managed.

"These birds don’t care about the laws you make or the borders you draw. They need to migrate, procreate, and raise their young," she said.

*Apologies for the wind noise. Some audio elements of this interview have been removed. We had a mic fail and didn't have appropriate replacement.*

[ChildlessCraneLady]

I love the name of this video along with the message. Migratory Birds are Citizens! Get out of their way! I totally agree. <3 Thanks for your work.