A free, four-part exploratory workshop on indigenous sovereignty and justice with the co-founder of Love the Everglades Movement, Reverend Houston Cypress, of the Miccosukee Otter Clan, will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m., March 4, 11, 18 and 25, online via Zoom. The series is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, UU Justice Florida, and the SWFL RESET Center to promote indigenous sovereignty, resilience and climate justice.

Participants will engage in a deep exploration of how Florida Indigenous people relate to nature, as well as how to be good allies in the struggle to protect the sacred. They will also learn how to create a land acknowledgement, a traditional custom that dates back centuries in many native nations and communities. Used today by native peoples and non-natives alike, land acknowledgement recognizes Indigenous peoples that were original stewards of the lands upon which we now live. 

Additionally, attendees will discover ways to honor and support Indigenous sovereignty, which arises from Indigenous traditional knowledge and consists of spiritual ways, culture, language, social and legal systems, political structures and inherent relationships with lands, waters and all that lies upon them. A full curriculum of reading materials and videos will be provided. Participants are asked to commit to all four sessions.