A Way Forward
A conversation with Sebastian Africano, James Calabaza, Michael Martinez, and José Chalit
Today, as millions of eyes turn towards Washington, we’re staying focused on the communities at the heart of what we do. We’ve brought together members of our team to share their perspectives on our work, our vision for the future, and our collective path forward.
How are you keeping this moment in perspective?
Sebastian: “The challenges we face are centuries in the making. And we have to plan in decades, we have to think in generations - keep our focus on the long horizon. These moments are just blips in the greater timeline.”
James: “For me as a conservationist, as a steward, I’m thinking about what I want to accomplish in 40 years, 50 years. Those are our true goals, and 4 years shouldn’t overshadow the progress we are making towards getting there.”
How are you thinking about potential challenges?
José: “Consequences of climate change are often felt first by a lot of the communities we serve, for example. It will be challenging, and important, for us to really cut through the noise of the media and make sure that challenges faced in communities on a local level are recognized as important and pressing.”
James: “People are concerned, which is valid. But there’s always a way to rally. There’s always a way to build resilience and bring in new supporters, new allies that see the long term vision. And I wouldn’t want these next 4 years to derail us from the progress we’re making as an organization, but more importantly, as a people.”
What gives you hope?
James: “I see hope in the upcoming NM tribal (Forestry and Fire) summit. I think that gathering is a great way to remember how, historically, the Pueblos in New Mexico united to fight a common enemy. But in today’s world, the enemy is the vast effects of climate change on our landscapes, our community, our people. The reunification of tribes brings the life of the Pueblo Revolt back to the present day. The summit, the gathering of 20+ tribes, is a way to honor what our ancestors did 400 years ago.”
Sebastian: “What we’re doing is proactive investment in resilience. If we want climate disasters to stop happening, we have to be proactive about working together and strategizing and investing in solutions. I think what the world can learn from TWP in this time is to bring people together, invest in crowdsourcing knowledge, and then do something, right? Take action. That’s how we turn this ship around.”
Where are you staying focused?
Michael: “There’s a saying, when times get hard you’ll find out who your true friends are. That’s where we’ll be as TWP, to keep strong and true with our relationships, continue to focus on our endeavors, and not be distracted by government hypocrisies or shutdowns …. Now is the time for people to rally and keep things moving.”
José: “This work doesn’t ever stop. We’re going to have to keep making investments in communities and in environmental efforts. It’s important to not lose sight of the fact that organizations like TWP exist regardless of political shifts.”
James: “For my family, we’re definitely a poor rez family. Whoever’s in Presidency, it’s not going to change our lives. It’s not gonna change how we still connect to the land, it’s not gonna change how we’re potentially losing our language. The social programs that we depend on may be impacted, but life is going to go on. We’re going to have to continue surviving. It’s not just political survival, it’s cultural survival, climate change survival. And that’s where my community and my family are really focused. We’re focusing more at the local place-based level, on what’s going to impact our way of life.”
Sebastian: “Here at TWP, we’re not focused on what’s going on in Washington. We’re focused on what’s going on in the communities. We’re listening to what communities can tell us about which way is forward.”
