The Earth Elders: A New Chapter in an Ancient Story

Our origin story is rooted in over a decade of weaving relationships, pilgrimages, and ceremonies across more than fifty Indigenous territories. The vision was received when one hundred and fifty traditional guardians from all over the Americas met in Santa Marta with the Kogis, Arhuacos, Kankuamos Kogui and Wiwa of the Sierra Nevada to consult Mother Earth about a way out of our polycrises. During a week of special ceremonies, a series of Earth Mandates were received. 

Over and over, Elders from every corner of the world have reaffirmed a shared message: We are living through a time of great unravelling—and a great remembering. Out of this shared calling, a circle of 13 Elders came together in 2024 to seed what would become the Earth Elders Council, soon expanding to 52 territories by 2026.

Our work is anchored in the Five Earth Mandates—a compass that guides our collective work:

1. Uphold the Leadership of Original Peoples 

To ensure that Elders, guardians, knowledge-keepers, and traditional governance systems are respected, resourced, and centred in global decision-making through the establishment of the Earth Elders Councils of 52.

2. Protect Sacred Sites (Places of Special Biocultural Importance)

To safeguard the places where culture, identity, ecology, and ancestry are interwoven—a living library of wisdom for future generations. Our Sacred Sites are the beating hearts of our territories and must be protected for future generations. 

3. Promote Intercultural Dialogue, Storytelling & Advocacy

To nurture mutual understanding between communities, bridge ancient and contemporary worldviews, amplify Indigenous leadership in global forums, and inspire a shared cultural movement for planetary harmony.

4. Regenerate Bioculture & Ancestral Wisdom

To establish Houses of Original Thought (Centres for Ancestral Wisdom) where Ancestral Knowledge, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Traditional Ecological Knowledge converge—restoring ways of learning that cultivate responsibility, creativity, and ecological belonging.

5. Strengthen Earth Jurisprudence & Regenerate Biocultural Territories 

To advance Rights of Nature, biocultural law, new legislative frameworks, and community-led governance so the Earth’s voice is protected in policy, law, and practice. And to restore and regenerate the territories. 

Where We Are Now

With the Council established, we are now entering a chapter of grounded action. Across the world, Elders and our small executive team are co-developing a series of projects and initiatives that bring the Mandates to life:

• Earth Shield: we are in the midst of developing a fund whose main goal will be to secure and regenerate biocultural territories through land-forward initiatives and community stewardship.

• Centres of Ancestral Wisdom: the first centres are in early development across the Amazon, Mexico, and Africa.

• Ancestral Diplomacy & Cultural Dialogue:  our elders have been prominent at COP30 and major intercultural gatherings to elevate Indigenous leadership on the world stage.

• Sacred Sites Initiative: we are currently identifying and protecting key places under threat.

• Council Expansion: deepening relationships with new Elders from the 52 territories.

This is a moment of momentum, clarity, and humble service. We walk with gratitude for all who have supported us so far—and with an open invitation to those who feel called to this work.

Together, we are weaving the future our ancestors dreamed of.

With respect,

The EarthElders