Qualla Boundary, Cherokee, NC (August 5, 2024) – After six years of dormancy, the Protecting Mother Earth (PME) Conference returns! We will gather on the Qualla Boundary, located in the mountains of what is now known as Western North Carolina, the original homeland of the Cherokee Peoples to host the 18th Protecting Mother Earth Conference from August 1-4, 2024. The PME Conference returns to Cherokee lands after 28 years since they hosted the PME conference in 1996, held in the Big Cove Community, where “Our Rivers are Life’ was the theme.
This PME Conference is an all-outdoor event, and the theme will be an Indigenous Just Transition. The PME is Indigenous-initiated, organized, and led to elevate the critical voices of those fighting the frontline battles against the violation of our treaty rights, self-determination, environmental injustice, and climate change. We welcome Indigenous Peoples, frontline grassroots groups, and tribal nation representatives – allies and climate and environmental justice advocates across Turtle Island.
Who: Indigenous Environmental Network and Eastern Cherokee Organization
What: 18th Protecting Mother Earth Conference
When: August 1-4, 2024
Where: 160 Jonathan Road Cherokee, NC 28719
Register: https://shorturl.at/0GQ0e
This is a spiritual and cultural gathering. This four-day event will include plenaries, workshops, round-tables, talking circles, and other demonstrations focused on the following topics: Climate Justice, Renewable Energy, Mining, Inherent Relationship Jurisprudence (IRJ)/ Rights of Nature/ Mother Earth, Environmental Health, Indigenous feminisms, False solutions to climate change, food sovereignty, Genetic & Geo- Engineering, and more!
All journalists and media must check in at the media tent upon arrival for assistance and guidance regarding policy and procedures. Thank you for your cooperation.
Click here for more information and updates on the PME at our website