Author:Faith CummingsUpdated:Feb 5, 2020Original:Feb 5, 2020What if the goal of fashion wasn't to make endless money?
This conversation was just one of many taking place in the "school" that was Study Hall's latest conference. Slow Factory, Columbia University's Earth Institute and the UN's Office for Partnerships served as principals; Céline Semaan and Jasmine Solano functioned as deans; and figures like actress Yara Shahidi and marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Solano stood in for teachers.
We need to shift from appropriation to acknowledgement and implementation of indigenous-led sustainable practices.Almost 700 people collectively shed tears when model and activist Haatepah spoke about how indigenous people like himself are reclaiming their identity. She showed the audience an indigenous technique for tanning leather and reminded listeners that these communities did the work centuries ago to pioneer more earth-friendly ways of operating. Now, she said, it's time for non-indigenous people to seek them out and celebrate their knowledge by not only partnering and collaborating with them, but by also ensuring they have seats at the table.
The lesson for others? Purchase less stuff. Start tomorrow by cancelling that shopping trip you have planned this weekend or by using your office's water machine instead of picking up that new bottle. Every step counts, and if we all practice it, the results could be tremendous.