As an Indigenous educator and environmental science teacher, I believe protecting our oceans requires both strong international cooperation and meaningful inclusion of Indigenous voices.

The High Seas Treaty represents an important opportunity to safeguard marine biodiversity, address decades of overexploitation, and protect ecosystems for future generations. However, conservation efforts must also recognize the value of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and ensure Indigenous Peoples have a meaningful role in environmental decision-making.

I urge world leaders to commit to fully implementing the High Seas Treaty while ensuring Indigenous knowledge, rights, and representation are included in its governance.

Our oceans connect us all, and protecting them is a responsibility we share—not only for ourselves, but for the generations who will inherit this planet.