Time: 5-9 pm
Location: UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101

Join us for an extraordinary International Forum, co-hosted by the Kumeyaay and Maasai, bringing together Indigenous leaders from the USA, Kenya, Australia, Brazil, Japan, and beyond. This event offers:

• Insightful Panel Discussions: Learn from global Indigenous leaders about challenges and solutions in sustainability, cultural preservation, and leadership.
• Authentic Cultural Entertainment: Immerse yourself in performances that reflect the rich traditions of Indigenous cultures worldwide.
• Art Exhibitions: Discover Indigenous art that celebrates heritage and creativity.
• Indigenous Bazaar: Shop unique handcrafted goods made by Indigenous artisans.
• Indigenous Foods: Savor traditional dishes representing the diversity of Indigenous cultures.
• Virtual Reality Experiences: Step into the world of Indigenous ceremonies and landscapes through cutting-edge VR technology.

Film Screening
As part of this immersive day, enjoy a special screening of Indigenous films, including mini shorts and the feature film We Are Guardians. This powerful documentary explores the efforts of Indigenous leader Puyr Tembé and other activists mobilizing to protect their ancestral lands from deforestation and invasion. Executive Producer Leonardo DiCaprio presents this compelling story of hope and resilience, offering a vision for a sustainable future for the Amazon and our planet.

Be inspired by innovative ideas and stories that will shape a sustainable future for San Diego and beyond.

In the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, thousands of people are unlawfully invading protected lands, devastating centuries-old forests for resources and fast profits. Now as the health of the entire Amazon teeters at the edge, will Brazil and the world take notice?

Indigenous forest guardian Marçal Guajajara and Indigenous leader Puyr Tembé stand at the frontlines of this fight, risking their lives to protect their ancestral lands from relentless invasions and deforestation. On the other side–Valdir, an illegal logger, is trapped in a desperate struggle to make ends meet and sees no other way than continuing to cut down the forest.

This is the powerful narrative at the heart of We Are Guardians — a story of hope and resilience amidst an unfolding crisis. Through a tapestry of voices, this award-winning documentary provides a raw and intimate look at the lives of those closest to the Amazon and peels back the layers of this critical situation to reveal a story that ultimately affects all of us. Directed by Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene, and Rob Grobman, and produced by Academy Award winner Fisher Stevens with Leonardo DiCaprio serving as Executive Producer, the film is an exploration of the human spirit and our collective responsibility to protect the fragile balance of our world. Ultimately, it illuminates a path forward, where hope and unity can guide us toward a brighter future for the Amazon and our planet.