Emerging Indigenous Leader Bazile Panek Utilizes Indigenous Knowledge to Combat Climate Change
Bazile Panek, a young Indigenous leader from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, is working tirelessly to address the urgent issue of climate change while honoring his ancestors and advocating for Indigenous rights. Panek’s commitment to the environment is deeply ingrained in his identity and purpose.
Growing up along the shores of Lake Superior, Panek had a strong connection to nature and his Indigenous culture. He fondly recalls exploring the ravine, building bridges over streams, and participating in traditional practices such as harvesting maple sap and wild-ricing. Tribal ceremonies and rituals, including the Big Drum ceremony, were an integral part of his upbringing, instilling in him a profound respect and responsibility for the natural world.
Panek’s passion for the environment only intensified during his college years, where he pursued Native American studies and sustainability at Northern Michigan University. As the president of the Native American Student Association, he revitalized the organization by adopting a traditional Ojibwe approach to governance, which promoted equity. This transformation led to increased membership and inspired participation among the leadership board.
Since graduating, Panek has been actively involved in coordinating tribal climate adaptation projects with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. Recently, he was appointed as an Indigenous consultant for the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, tasked with compiling Indigenous knowledge on climate change adaptation nationwide and sharing it with both tribal and non-tribal communities. Panek believes that Indigenous knowledge, accumulated over thousands of years, is crucial in addressing climate change and complementing Western scientific approaches.
Panek takes immense pride in being part of a generation of change makers who are determined to tackle climate change and advocate for Indigenous rights. He considers it an honor to share Indigenous perspectives on the environment and Traditional Ecological Knowledge with others. Panek recently spoke at the UWM Field Station, engaging a cohort in an intensive land restoration training program. By framing discussions around the Ojibwe word asabikeshiinh (spider), he encourages individuals to view the world with respect and appreciate the interconnectedness of all living beings.
As the urgency of climate change heightens, young leaders like Panek are emerging to drive change and protect our planet. They bring diverse perspectives, inspiring others to take action and advocate for sustainable solutions. Panek’s work as an Indigenous leader harnessing Indigenous knowledge offers a unique and invaluable contribution to the fight against climate change.
In conclusion, Bazile Panek’s commitment to honoring his ancestors and the environment is shaping him into an influential Indigenous leader in addressing climate change. With his deep-rooted respect for nature and rich Indigenous knowledge, Panek is inspiring change and advocating for sustainable practices. By bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and Western science, he is helping pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
