Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT
2008 Bioneers Conference
Melissa Nelson - Introductions at the Indigenous Tent.Devin Chatioan (sitting with the dark shirt) during introductions at the Indigenous Tent.L to R: Devin Chatioan (sitting with the dark shirt), FIGR Tribal member Joann Bacci, and Eric Wilder during introductions at the Indigenous Tent.Melissa Nelson introduces Native Environmental Issues Panel.Native Issues Panel Discussion
2008 Bioneers Conference
The Bioneers Conference is an acclaimed leading-edge forum where you can see tomorrow today: a future environment of hope. Social and scientific innovators focus on breakthrough solutions inspired by nature and human ingenuity. These visionaries are already creating a healthy, equitable, diverse and beautiful world, their legacy for future generations and the web of life on which our lives depend. Here you can connect with hundreds or thousands of engaged folks making a real difference.

The FIGR Enviornmental Protection Department attended this years conference which was held October 17-19 at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael California. Environmental Education Specialist Eric Wilder gave an opening welcome on behalf of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

This year marked the first time a tent was designated specifically for native peoples. Dubbed the "Indigenous Tent", this was the first time in conferences 19 year history that native people were provided with a place to gather to discuss environmental issues from the native perspective.

Many native people from across the Western United States came to talk and hear from writers, biologists, educators, architects, farmers, economists, public servants, scientists, business people, artists, gardeners, chefs, and activists whose work spans many fields and cultures. Who together offer a dynamic vision for restoring the Earth, combining ecological approaches with social, spiritual and political strategies.

Just some of the panel presentations given in the "Indegineous Tent" were given by FIGR Sacred Sites Chairman Nick Tipon, Environmental Education Specialist Eric Wilder, Kashia Tribal Elder Otis Parrish, Ohlone tribal member Chuck Striplen and two Ohlone Tribal Chairpersons and others.

Award-winning journalist and thinker Naomi Klein was just one of this year's exciting speakers at the 2008 Bioneers Conference. In 2008, with over 3,000 in attendance onsite and 7,500 more at their satellite locations around the country, members of the press from all over the world, including the U.K. and Japan, came to follow stories and report from this leading edge event at the Marin Conference Center. These included print and web publications, radio stations, and feature/television film crews. In attendance were the likes of Reuters, Orion, and The Nation, along with Democracy Now!.

For more information about Bioneers, visit their website at http://www.bioneers.org/