This March, during U.S. Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to recognize Movement Rights as GARN’s Outstanding Member of the Month!
A women- and Indigenous-led organization, Movement Rights has been at the forefront of the fastest-growing environmental justice movement in the world—the Rights of Nature. Their mission is to align human laws with the laws of the natural world through Indigenous-led advocacy, community organizing, and legal innovation.
As a frontline-led organization, Movement Rights works directly with Indigenous communities to defend land, water, and the climate. They played a pivotal role in assisting the Ponca Nation of Oklahoma in passing the first Rights of Nature tribal law in the U.S. in 2017—sparking a growing intertribal campaign to protect vital ecosystems. Since then, more than 20 tribes in the U.S. and Canada have recognized the Rights of Nature, and Movement Rights continues to provide legal and organizing support for tribal and statewide legislation.
Movement Rights is also active at the global level, advocating for the Rights of Nature at the United Nations, regulatory hearings, and international forums. Co-founders Shannon Biggs and Pennie Opal Plant have been instrumental in shaping the Rights of Nature movement, while Casey Camp-Horinek, Ponca elder and Environmental Ambassador, leads their Ponca Rights of Nature campaign against environmental destruction caused by fossil fuel industries. Amongst their key contributions is also co-founding the 4 Winds Intertribal Coalition, bringing together Oklahoma tribal nations to defend their lands and waters from fossil fuel destruction.
Reflecting on this recognition, Shannon Biggs shared:
“As a women- and Indigenous-led organization working for the Rights of Nature every day, Movement Rights is proud to be recognized as GARN’s member of the month during U.S. Women’s History Month. Our mission is to align human law with the laws of the natural world and shift culture to living in balance with Mother Earth. It’s an exciting time to be part of the fastest-growing environmental movement in history.”
Why their work matters: Movement Rights understands that climate justice and the Rights of Nature are deeply connected—protecting ecosystems is about more than conservation; it’s about recognizing Nature’s inherent rights and supporting the Indigenous communities that have defended them for generations.
Coming up: The Fourth Convening of the Four Winds, taking place May 17-18, 2025, at the Old Ponca Agency Grounds in Nebraska, will be a powerful convergence of ceremony, strategy, and action. Co-hosted by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, The Ponca PaThaTa, and Movement Rights, this gathering brings together Indigenous leaders, activists, and allies to advance the movements for the Rights of Nature, Rights of Rivers, Tribal Sovereignty, and Environmental Justice. Participants will engage in panels, workshops, and the sacred planting of the Ponca Corn, deepening their connection to the land and challenging colonial frameworks of ownership. Rooted in Indigenous cosmology, the convening aims to strengthen a collective force of grassroots action for Mother Earth. Register to participate.
Nominate a GARN Member for Outstanding Member of the Month!
Do you know an individual or organization within the GARN network making a powerful impact in the Rights of Nature movement? Nominate yourself, your organization, or another GARN member for next month’s Outstanding Member recognition! Join GARN as a member and receive the link to apply directly in your inbox.
