November 21, 2024

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As we gather this Thanksgiving, we acknowledge that SLF's headquarters, Solana Beach, rests on the traditional land of the Kumeyaay people, whose wisdom and resilience continue to shape the region. This season, we reflect on the importance of gratitude—not just for our blessings, but for the strength and traditions of those who came before us.

Indigenous communities have long taught the value of living in harmony with the land and fostering a deep respect for the natural world. As we gather around our tables, let us honor these traditions by embracing gratitude—not just for what we receive, but for the opportunity to preserve and give back to these cultural legacies.

In this season of new beginnings, let us draw inspiration from Indigenous wisdom to guide our path forward, building a future rooted in respect, unity, and understanding.

Bart Ziegler, PhD

President, Samuel Lawrence Foundation

Preserving Indigenous Culture

If a language disappears, what is lost? Consider a language spoken in the Amazon, one that contains the only word to describe a particular plant species found exclusively within a few square miles of the rainforest. When that language vanishes—along with the wisdom of the elders who spoke it—entire realms of knowledge disappear. This is the reality facing the Amazon and many Indigenous communities worldwide.

Much of this loss stems from historical efforts to suppress languages and practices, pushing them toward extinction. Today, a digitized Western culture often overlooks oral traditions, leaving many Indigenous practices undocumented. Adding to this crisis is the increasingly volatile climate, which threatens physical artifacts, cultural heritage, and even the very lands where these communities live.

We explored these urgent issues in the latest episode of the Samuel Lawrence Foundation’s “First Fridays” webinar series with a panel of global experts on Indigenous wisdom.

Joseph McNeil, Jr., is CEO of the SAGE Development Authority. McNeil boasts a remarkable lineage as a descendant of Sitting Bull through his mother; and his father was one of the Greensboro Four: four African American men who staged a historic sit-in at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter during the Jim Crow era.

Atossa Soltani, is Director of Global Strategy for Amazon Sacred Headwaters, a coalition of 30 Indigenous nations in the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon. Their coalition recently won the Keeling Curve Prize and is a finalist for the prestigious Earthshot Prize.

Two other distinguished guests—international filmmaker Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri and Dominica UN Ambassador Dr. Philbert Aaron—were unable to join due to connectivity issues and diplomatic commitments, we plan to feature them in future episodes.

We invite you to watch this fascinating discussion, which is especially relevant in the face of shifting geopolitics and environmental challenges.

Should We Hold Corporations Accountable for "Greenwashing"?

As the media highlights the push for artificial intelligence powered by fossil fuels and nuclear energy, the Samuel Lawrence Foundation (SLF) is shedding light on the broader issue of corporate greenwashing. Companies like Microsoft have been accused of promoting themselves as sustainability leaders while engaging in practices that harm environmental progress. For example, Microsoft’s partnerships with ExxonMobil and Chevron leverage artificial intelligence to enhance fossil fuel production, even as the company claims to pursue net-zero carbon targets. Reports also reveal rising emissions, suggesting that their sustainability commitments may be more about optics than meaningful change.

Nuclear energy has also become a convenient platform for corporate greenwashing. Tax breaks and incentives, like those in the Inflation Reduction Act and the Price-Anderson Act, allow corporations to frame nuclear power as a clean solution, despite its unresolved waste problem. The 3.6 million pounds of nuclear waste at the San Onofre plant remind us of the enduring costs that these narratives often downplay.

For a truly sustainable future, corporations must be held accountable for the full lifecycle impacts of their operations—especially waste management—rather than using tax breaks and green branding as tools for profit.

Barrio Botany

Garden-to-Table Training is in Full Bloom!  

This fall, fiscal sponsoree Barrio Botany partnered with Via International and Leah’s Pantry to offer an 8-week Garden-to-Table training series for community members. Bilingual presenters facilitated hands-on sessions that covered  topics such as soil preparation, seeding, transplanting, composting and cooking. Participants gained practical skills to grow and prepare their own food and connect with others who share a love for sustainable gardening. 

From its inception, Barrio Botany conceived of its school gardens not just as outdoor classrooms for students, but also as neighborhood hubs. Support their efforts to cultivate knowledge, community, healthful eating and restorative practices.

SLF Honors Jamie McGregor with the Hero Award

Last month, the Samuel Lawrence Foundation awarded Jamie McGregor, owner of McGregor Metal in Springfield, Ohio, our Hero Award for his leadership in supporting Haitian immigrants. Along with the award, we gave a small cash gift and a copy of On Tyranny.

In a generous act, Jamie chose to donate the $250 prize to help Haitian immigrants. His kindness is a powerful reminder of how one person can make a lasting impact. We’re thrilled to share his story—it’s a powerful reminder of how one person’s kindness can make a lasting impact.

His letter reads:



Dear SLF,

Wow, we remain incredibly humbled by your very kind and thoughtful package, the book, the donation and the honor. We never expected such an outpouring of love and warmth from so many people and we have been delighted by so many messages of support and encouragement. Thank you.

With your permission, I would like to donate your check to Clark State Community College who are initiating English as a second language classes, in our buildup for our Haitian associates at no charge. They are a most deserving recipient, and will benefit from your generosity greatly.

Many thanks again, Jamie

Do you know someone in your community who deserves to be recognized as a hero? Nominate them by reaching out to SLF at nadia@samuellawrencefoundation.org

GIVING TUESDAY

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Together, let’s create a larger impact and drive meaningful change. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to making a difference!

Like these topics? Check out our "First Fridays" Series on YouTube or Spotify, where we bring together leading experts to discuss climate change, nuclear safety, environmental issues, energy solutions, and public health and wellness.

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