Report on the Sustainable Development Contributions of Simone Senogles

Introduction

This report outlines the significant contributions of the late Simone Senogles to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A member of the Eagle (Migizi) clan and the Operations Director at the Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN), Senogles dedicated her work to environmental stewardship, food sovereignty, and social justice, directly aligning with a broad spectrum of global development targets.

Advocacy for Food Sovereignty and Security

A primary focus of Senogles’ work was the promotion of food sovereignty within Indigenous communities, a critical component for achieving Zero Hunger and sustainable production.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Through initiatives like her documentary, “Regaining Food Sovereignty,” Senogles championed the revitalization of traditional food systems. Her efforts in promoting practices such as wild rice harvesting directly support targets for ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Her advocacy for community-controlled, traditional food sources fosters sustainable production patterns and strengthens local economies, reducing reliance on external, often unsustainable, food systems.

Environmental Protection and Climate Action

Senogles was a passionate environmental activist whose work addressed key goals related to climate, water, and biodiversity.

1. SDG 13: Climate Action: By actively protesting fossil fuel infrastructure, such as pipelines, Senogles took urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, directly challenging major sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land: Her dedication to beekeeping highlights a commitment to protecting biodiversity. Bees are essential pollinators, and supporting their populations is vital for protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: The opposition to pipeline projects is intrinsically linked to the protection of water resources, a core objective of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water for all.

Promotion of Gender Equality and Social Justice

Inheriting a family legacy of activism, Senogles was a staunch advocate for the rights and safety of Indigenous peoples, particularly women.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality: Her advocacy work concerning Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) directly confronted violence against women and girls, a fundamental target for achieving gender equality and empowering all women.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: By demanding accountability and protection for vulnerable populations through her MMIW advocacy, Senogles worked to promote just, peaceful, and inclusive societies and provide access to justice for all.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The article highlights Simone Senogles’ work on “food sovereignty” and her documentary, “Regaining Food Sovereignty,” which focused on “food systems in northern Minnesota’s Native communities.” This directly connects to ensuring access to food and promoting sustainable agriculture.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  Her advocacy work on “MMIW” (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) is explicitly mentioned. This work is central to achieving gender equality by addressing violence against women and girls, particularly those from vulnerable indigenous communities.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article states that Senogles’ work included “protesting pipelines.” This form of environmental activism is directly related to combating climate change and its impacts by opposing fossil fuel infrastructure.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  Her passion for “harvesting wild rice” and being a “beekeeper” connects to this goal. Beekeeping supports pollinators essential for biodiversity, and sustainable harvesting of wild rice promotes the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and wetland ecosystems.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The advocacy for MMIW also relates to this goal, as it seeks justice for victims and calls for the reduction of violence against a specific demographic, highlighting the need for inclusive and just institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.

   This target is addressed through the mention of “food sovereignty,” “harvesting wild rice,” and beekeeping. These practices represent traditional and resilient agricultural systems that help maintain ecosystems.

2. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls.

   Senogles’ “MMIW advocacy” directly aligns with this target, as its primary goal is to end the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women.

3. Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation.

   The act of “protesting pipelines” is a form of public awareness-raising and advocacy aimed at mitigating climate change by challenging fossil fuel dependency.

4. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity.

   Her work as a “passionate beekeeper” supports pollinators, which are crucial for halting the loss of biodiversity. This action directly contributes to protecting ecosystems.

5. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

   The focus on MMIW is a direct effort to reduce violence and death rates within the Indigenous female population, aligning with the core objective of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Implied Indicator for Target 2.4: The article mentions the documentary “Regaining Food Sovereignty” and the practice of “harvesting wild rice.” The promotion and practice of traditional and sustainable food systems within Native communities can serve as a qualitative indicator of progress.
• Implied Indicator for Target 5.2: The mention of “MMIW advocacy” implies the existence of organized efforts and campaigns. The level of activity and engagement in such advocacy can be an indicator of efforts to eliminate violence against Indigenous women.
• Implied Indicator for Target 13.3: The act of “protesting pipelines” is an indicator of public engagement and mobilization against projects contributing to climate change. The frequency and scale of such protests can measure public awareness and action.
• Implied Indicator for Target 15.5: The reference to Senogles as a “passionate beekeeper” points to local, individual actions that support biodiversity. An increase in local beekeeping or other pollinator-protection activities could be an indicator of progress.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: startribune.com