The Elders Council of the World Union of Indigenous Spiritual Practitioners (WUISP), an alliance of respected spiritual elders from around the world, is awarding Snow Leopard Conservancy Founder Dr. Rodney Jackson with their highest honor, The Sign of Appreciation and Respect for his “dedication of more than 40 years of his life partnering with communities and Indigenous peoples in all 12 countries the animal inhabits.”
A Special Gathering
On the evening of April 22, 2025, as part of the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), WUISP together with Wayfinders Circle, will be holding an event at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York, NY. At this special gathering, One Earth, One Sky, One Home, Connecting Ancestral Knowledge to Future Generations, they will be presenting Dr. Jackson with a jade miniature, Tear of the Snow Leopard, handcrafted by an Indigenous artist. “This emblem of gratitude reflects the shared destiny between humanity and the natural world” and acknowledges Dr. Jackson’s work, which is an inspiration “to move forward in harmony with nature and with deep respect for Indigenous guardianship.”
Dr. Jackson and Darla receiving a blessing from ICP Zhaparkul Raimbekov at a LOSL gathering in Kyrgyzstan – Photo: SLC
Accompanying Dr. Jackson will be his wife Darla Hillard, SLC Co-Founder and Education Director Emerita, and members of the Land of Snow Leopard (LOSL) Network. As the former LOSL facilitator, Darla worked closely with the network, which is composed of more than 100 organizations and individuals, and whose founding members include shamans, sacred site guardians, and revered elders, referred to as Indigenous Cultural Practitioners (ICPs). LOSL is a groundbreaking collaboration between Western and Indigenous science that seeks to revive ancient conservation practices and create pathways for ICPs to be coequal partners in research and planning for the conservation of snow leopards.
Members of Land of Snow Leopard Network at a special gathering – Photo: LOSL
LOSL Network Director Maria Azhunova announced the awarding of this sacred honor at the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Fall Expo held in San Francisco in October 2024, shown in the video below. “This award recognizes Rodney’s incredible work in conservation and unwavering partnerships with Indigenous people across the Snow Leopard’s range. His tireless efforts have advanced the conservation of the snow leopard and ecosystems and have transformed the way we think about conservation… Rodney has brought together scientists, conservationists, and Indigenous Cultural Practitioners to restore balance and joy to Mother Earth.”
This special award was highlighted in National Geographic’s July 2024 issue (Vol 246, No 1) on Indigenous Futures.