Land is Life is an Indigenous Peoples’ coalition dedicated for over 33 years to advancing their rights and self-determination. Grounded in the principle that Indigenous Peoples must be free to protect and live in their ancestral territories. In 2024, the organization channeled 91% of its funding directly to Indigenous Peoples across more than 28 countries.
Our approach is uniquely effective because it’s truly led by Indigenous leaders and organizations, ensuring that priorities come from the communities themselves. Land is Life plays a vital role in protecting Indigenous Peoples Living in Voluntary Isolation (PIACI), supporting Indigenous Human Rights Defenders through rapid-response security funds, and strengthening self-determination through community-led FPIC protocols.
We also promote Indigenous women’s leadership and ensure Indigenous voices are heard in global policy spaces, from the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues UNPFII to climate negotiations. Ultimately, Land is Life connects Indigenous grassroots activism with international advocacy, reinforcing Indigenous Peoples’ central role in protecting their lands and shaping their futures. We ensure that global policy translates into real impact at the territorial level.
As the new Executive Director of Land is Life, I’m honored to continue our 33-year legacy of advancing the self-determination and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples across the globe. Founded during an Indigenous summit in Rio de Janeiro, Land is Life has grown into a powerful global coalition thanks to the dedication of many who came before us.
Over the past year, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of our work, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for policies that uphold Indigenous Peoples’ rights. In 2024, we helped amplify Indigenous women’s leadership, improved participation in decision-making spaces, supported food sovereignty, and provided emergency support to defenders under threat.
As we enter 2025, I recognize the growing challenges and threats Indigenous Peoples face, especially in securing funding. Despite these obstacles, our commitment remains unwavering.
I invite all our partners, funders, and allies to join us in deepening our shared mission. Now more than ever, we must stand united, take bold action, and reaffirm our solidarity. Together, we can create lasting change for Indigenous Peoples and their territories. Thank you for your continued support.
Luisa Castaneda Quintana
Executive Director
In 2024, Land is Life supported Indigenous Peoples across Asia through advocacy, legal defense, and leadership building. Key actions included defending leaders in the Philippines, documenting rights violations in Northeast India, mapping land in West Papua, and training Indigenous women on rights and climate impacts.
Land is Life advanced food sovereignty, gender equality, and human rights in Africa. Through the Indigenous-Led Security Fund, over 60 communities and 30 defenders received emergency support. Programs in Kenya, Uganda, Mali, and Cameroon empowered Indigenous women and girls through education, advocacy, and renewable energy projects. Mayangna land protection.
In Mesoamerica, Land is Life supported food sovereignty, marine governance, and territorial defense. It backed agroecology in Mexico and Nicaragua, supported Bribri and Ngobe efforts in ocean conservation, and advocated for Miskito divers’ rights and Mayangna land protection.
Land is Life defended Indigenous Peoples’ rights across South America, focusing on PIACI protection, FPIC protocols, and women’s leadership. Highlights include regional advocacy, community patrols in Peru, and fellow-led initiatives on food, health, and territorial defense in Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia
2024 marked a leadership transition, as Luisa Castaneda-Quintana was appointed Executive Director, bringing years of dedicated advocacy with Indigenous Peoples and UN entities.
What sets Land is Life apart is its structure: Indigenous Peoples and their organizations lead at every level, from governance to programming. This ensures our work is community-driven, transparent, and adaptable to local realities. We don’t speak for Indigenous Peoples; we work with them, so they can speak for themselves, defend their rights, and determine their futures.
As we move into 2025, Land is Life remains steadfast in its mission. With your support, we will continue to protect life-giving lands, elevate Indigenous leadership, and build a more just and sustainable future, grounded in ancestral knowledge and collective strength.
