In the vital world of Indigenous activism, Jade Begay stands out as a beacon of change, seamlessly intertwining narratives of environmental justice and Indigenous rights. A member of Tesuque Pueblo with Diné and Southern Ute lineage, Jade’s remarkable trajectory underscores the potency of grassroots initiatives and strategic alliances. Bioneers has been honored to play a crucial role in Jade’s evolution as a formidable climate justice advocate.

After earning her master’s degree in Environmental Leadership from Naropa University in 2015, Jade found her footing as an invited participant in the Bioneers Native Youth Program. When reflecting on the experience years later as a keynote Bioneers speaker, Jade said:

“Eight years ago, I was a recipient of the Bioneers Indigenous Youth Scholarship. You all are witnessing a true full-circle moment. That was my first time at Bioneers. I was fresh out of grad school and beginning my career as a campaigner and strategist. And now I’m here talking to you all. This really does feel like a huge milestone. I feel really honored and grateful to people like [Bioneers Indigeneity Program Directors] Cara and Alexis and the entire Bioneers team who understand what it means to invest in Indigenous youth and Indigenous leadership and to platform us.”

Watch a clip of Jade speaking at Bioneers here:

As part of the Native Youth Program in 2015, Jade was given the opportunity to participate in the annual Bioneers Conference and Indigenous Forum and find a vital space for networking, mentorship, and empowerment. Over the past two decades of Bioneers Youth Scholarship Programs, thousands and thousands of young activists and leaders have attended Bioneers Conferences, meeting heroes and mentors while making connections with peers who have the potential to change the course of their lives. 

During her time at Bioneers, Jade’s path intersected with Tom Goldtooth, the renowned founder of the Indigenous Environmental Network. Their friendship led her to the Indigenous Environmental Network’s Indigenous Rising Media Program, where she honed her storytelling skills, shedding light on the Dakota Access Pipeline protests at Standing Rock.

In 2021, Jade assumed a pivotal role as a member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council, marking a historic moment in which grassroots activists’ insights were sought for addressing environmental injustices. Recognizing her impact, Grist Magazine acknowledged her as one of its 50 influential “Fixers” in 2022, appreciating her unwavering commitment to equitable solutions.

Jade Begay’s story is truly inspiring, evidence of a born leader emerging in real-time within the nascent climate justice movement. In many ways, Bioneers exists to highlight and support movement leaders like Jade. The programs and events Bioneers produces are designed, on purpose, to create conditions conducive to leadership development and movement building. Jade’s specific path is unique to her, but her larger story is an echo of the thousands of youth who have experienced Bioneers over the years. And with your support, we can provide these key experiences to thousands more.   

• $950 allows us to provide full 3-day Bioneers Conference registration and three healthy meals for one Native Youth Scholar, perhaps the next Jade…
• $1,200 supports distributing Bioneers Radio, including Indigeneity Conversations, for a month to our network of nearly 200 radio stations that receive it for free.
• $5,000 supports the filming and editing of one day of the Indigenous Forum, to be transformed into one-of-a-kind curricula.