St David’s Day is Wales’ national day, named after our patron saint and guided by his powerful message to do the small things (gwnewch y pethau bychain). This year, we’re focusing our attention on one of our key areas of work: Indigenous languages and the climate. Our patron saint’s message of doing the small things to make a big difference resonates deeply with tackling the climate crisis, which in turn is deeply impacting Indigenous communities and languages.
Looking beyond Wales is our global responsibility.
To mark the day, and in spreading the Pethau Bychain message, we’re sharing this powerful music video from a group of 16 young Indigenous people from the Wampís Nation. The song is called Iña Nunke (Our Territory) and was composed by the young Wampís during a series of workshops supported by funding from the Welsh Government. It focuses on the importance of preserving the Amazon, sharing their culture and language. The premiere of the music video was watched by audiences around the world, sharing the story of how the Wampís protect their territory and forests from the threats they are regularly exposed to, such as illegal gold mining and logging. The song also aims to cultivate support within the Wampís Nation, encouraging them to rally against illegal activities.
The relationship between Wales and the Wampís is one that Size of Wales have nurtured over many years. The song has since been translated into Welsh, as well as Spanish, Portuguese and English. Indigenous languages, such as Wampís and Welsh, are intimately connected to the peoples’ relationship to the land, and conserving Indigenous languages is vital because it goes hand-in-hand with understanding and protecting our natural world, as highlighted by the UN Decade of Indigenous Languages. This deep and ancient connection also makes Indigenous communities the best guardians of their lands as evidenced within the Wampís own territory – 98% of their forests remain intact.
Young people from Wales had the opportunity to collaborate with the Wampís, when the Youth Climate Ambassadors(YCA) and Fitzalan High School’s fusion band met with them online. The Youth Climate Ambassadors are a group of young people campaigning for climate justice in Wales and worldwide, and we want to empower their voice in our efforts to protect the wellbeing of future generations.
Sharing their reactions to watching the young Wampís’ video, Shenona, the Vice Chair of YCA said: “It’s amazing! Although the fight is very difficult, the message is powerful and positive.”
Molly, a YCA member said “The music video was incredible, messages of being a unified voice against corporate greed and abuses of power were empowering. The work of the Wampís nation is inspiring, the messages of solidarity throughout are so important.”
Collaborations such as these are an important element of empowering young people and help to instil the importance of global responsibility - looking beyond Wales and considering the small things we do which have a big impact on other nations and communities.
Sharing their thoughts on Wales’s global responsibility, the Youth Climate Ambassadors said:
"I think that Wales has an important role in tackling the climate and nature crises. I believe that everyone has a responsibility to do what they can to tackle climate change and secure a healthier planet for future generations to inherit. Ultimately, climate change is something that is going to affect us all, and Wales must act in a way that prioritises a just transition to a cleaner, greener World.” - Ellie, the Youth Climate Ambassadors Secretary
"I think Wales has a considerable role to play in tackling the climate crisis, as does any country with the means to do so. In Wales we are very privileged to not be experiencing many of the climate disasters becoming increasingly more common around the world and yet we are still contributing to the problem. Wales has a responsibility to be carbon neutral or even carbon negative as soon as possible to counteract our role in production of greenhouse gasses, pollution and waste.
Global responsibility is more important than ever, during a time where the seemingly small actions of a nation such as Wales can influence the lives of people on the other side of the world. We cannot ignore the climate and biodiversity disaster happening around us just because we are not yet seeing severe effects, Wales must be globally responsible for its actions or we can never expect other nations to change with us. Wales really must be the change we want to see, not only for future Welsh generations but for the planet." - Lili, the Youth Climate Ambassadors Communications Officer