In 2021 at the COP 27 conference in Glasgow, world leaders committed $1.7 billion to fund Indigenous Peoples-led climate solutions.  Seen at the time as a major breakthrough for Indigenous People and Local Community, it turns out the photo op as world leaders stood on the stage making the announcement were just the beginning of the fight.

 

After three years, only 10% of the funding had been released to Indigenous Peoples. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim is the world’s leading activist for Indigenous Peoples, and in 2024 was named Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues. Born in the nomadic Mbororo community in Chad, Hindou was fortunate to have a forward thinking – and somewhat rebellious -- mother who demanded that her two daughters be educated – against the norms of her community. Hindou grew up in two worlds, becoming college educated while staying close to her nomadic roots.

 

Today, Hindou travels extensively to carry the voice of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to the UN, numerous COP conferences and international business circles such as Davos. She was actively involved in securing a formal seat at the table at COP 21 climate conference, and the $1.7 billion committed at Cop 27.  

 

We have followed Hindou for three years as she travel this journey, from the halls of the UN to her nomadic roots in the desert. This intimate portrait, co-produced by Hindou herself, explores the challenges she has faced confronting  the largely male-dominated world of international diplomacy to secure not only the $1.7 billion, but more broadly, recognition and respect for Indigenous Peoples, while also probing her family origins and connection to the seven generations of ancestors who forged the path before her.