Keynote: Indigenous Earth Law

What does it mean to think beyond nature? How would our approach to the climate crisis shift if we were to view Earth as a living relative with protections under law? Dr. Kelsey Leonard (Shinnecock) explores the emerging area of Earth law, explain its connection to Indigenous law, and chart a path forward for our shared sustainable future.

Dr. Kelsey Leonard is a water scientist, legal scholar, policy expert, and enrolled citizen of the Shinnecock Nation. She is the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Waters, Climate, and Sustainability and Assistant Professor in the School of Environment, Resources, and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo. Her work focuses on Indigenous water justice and its climatic, territorial, and governance underpinnings for our shared sustainable future. Dr. Leonard represents the Shinnecock Nation on the Mid-Atlantic Committee on the Ocean, which is charged with protecting America's ocean ecosystems and coastlines. Dr. Leonard has been instrumental in safeguarding the interests of Indigenous nations for environmental planning and builds Indigenous science and knowledge into new solutions for sustainable water and ocean governance.