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Sacred Species Unite Indigenous Youth Across Continents
Run4Salmon LOSL Youth and North American Tribal members
Land of Snow Leopard Director Maria Azhunova with Indigenous Youth from snow leopard territory in Central Asia and North American tribal youth - Photo: Maria Azhunova

Dear Friends,

Snow leopards have thrived for millennia in the high mountains of Asia largely thanks to Indigenous Peoples that revere them as guardians of the mountains. Recognizing that the future of this species depends on supporting the intergenerational transfer of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) champions the next generation and TEK as essential to modern conservation.

This year, SLC and Land of Snow Leopard Network (LOSL) launched the groundbreaking cultural exchange, “Sacred Species, Sacred Sites,” which united Indigenous youth from Central Asia with Indigenous communities of North America. Through this exchange, these young leaders learned how Indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions remain essential to protecting species and landscapes that are both ecologically and spiritually valuable to their communities.

LOSL Indigenous Youth meet with Washoe Tribal Members
LOSL Youth meet with Washoe tribe members and elders – Photo: Maria Azhunova

 
Through the exchange, youth from snow leopard territories witnessed the dedication of North American tribes fighting to restore salmon runs and protect sacred waters through traditional ceremonies and Indigenous ways of knowing. Inspired by seeing Indigenous knowledge in action, they returned home with renewed pride in their spiritual traditions and cultural heritage. They are now primed to champion their people’s cultural practices in snow leopard conservation.

The exchange itself centered around the Winnemem Wintu’s Run4Salmon prayerful journey, bringing together youth from the Kushchu, Galzuut, Ekhirit, and Borjigon tribes of Central Asia with the Winnemem Wintu, Navajo, Hupa, and Mexica tribes of North America. The connection between snow leopards and salmon lies in the shared Indigenous understanding that protecting sacred species supports the well-being of entire ecosystems and the communities that rely on them culturally, spiritually, and physically.

LOSL Youth view salmon eggs before their ceremonial release - Run4Salmon
LOSL Youth view salmon eggs under a microscope before their ceremonial release – Photo: Maria Azhunova

 
During the two-week journey, youth participated in ceremonies, met with scientists and Indigenous conservation leaders, and shared their cultural traditions. A highlight was releasing salmon eggs into a pool designed by the Winnemem Wintu to mimic natural river flow. Their traditional knowledge teaches that river rocks guide salmon eggs and baby salmon to grow into powerful animals, showcasing how Indigenous wisdom enhances conservation innovation.

Looking ahead to 2025, LOSL is planning the next “Sacred Species, Sacred Sites” exchange to bring more Indigenous youth together to continue building these crucial bridges between cultures and sacred species conservation. These exchanges nurture the next generation of conservation leaders who understand that protecting sacred species and sacred sites requires traditional wisdom, collaborative management, and international cooperation.

Please support this valuable initiative today and support Indigenous youth leadership in conservation! Together, we can ensure Indigenous youth in Central Asia have the resources they need to thrive as the leaders of tomorrow.

Wishing you and your loved ones peace and prosperity in the New Year.

With very best wishes,

Maria Azhunova

 

 

 

"Sacred Sites, Sacred Species" cultural exchange program uniting Indigenous Youth from Central Asia with Indigenous communities of North America - Photos: Maria Azhunova