This session explores how art sparks transformative change by reconnecting people with nature, communities, and the spiritual world. Rooted in Indigenous philosophies and holistic worldviews – often misunderstood as separate from Western perspectives – our methods engage participants of all ages through interactive exhibitions, creative workshops, artist interviews, and storytelling. By reaching people emotionally, art makes complex ideas about biodiversity and environmental stewardship accessible and meaningful. These experiences invite reflection on the interconnectedness of all life – humans, animals, plants, and the ecosystems they inhabit – alongside the spiritual realm, fostering a relational understanding of the living world.

Art also acts as a bridge between Indigenous and other perspectives, creating a meeting place for dialogue, shared learning, and relationship-building. Centering Indigenous values of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility, the session highlights how Indigenous knowledge and ingenuity offer solutions to environmental and social challenges. Land-based education, intergenerational storytelling, and community initiatives guide transformative learning, public engagement, and creative problem-solving, inspiring just and sustainable futures.

The 90-minute session features a visually rich presentation led by Indigenous knowledge holders, followed by discussion and exchange. Art’s transformative power spans multiple forms: it connects across cultures, communicates complex ideas, builds trust and collaboration, creates informal spaces for dialogue, and inspires education, advocacy, and action.

Convenors: One Arctic / Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art (MCCA) and Global Indigenous Dialogue (GID)