May 15, 2026
Harrison Ford Calls on ASU Grads to Embrace Indigenous Peoples’ Guardianship as a Model for Healing Our Planet
"[Indigenous] communities have long understood that the trees, the mountain, water, soil are not commodities. They are relatives to be cherished."
- Harrison Ford at ASU's Spring Commencement
The power of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge was a central takeaway in actor Harrison Ford’s remarks at Arizona State University’s (ASU) Spring 2026 commencement:
“We need to respect and elevate the Indigenous Peoples that are being marginalized and, in many cases, killed in cold blood. These communities have long understood that the trees, the mountain, water, soil are not commodities. They are relatives to be cherished for [future] generations to embrace and protect. We can all play a role by embracing that wisdom in our day-to-day lives. By loving the planet, by honoring nature’s authority, her generosity, the bounty she affords us, the justice of her example. Because the world you’re stepping into – the world my generation left you – is a real mess.”
In his impassioned speech, Ford recalled meeting Nia Tero and Conservation International founder Peter Seligmann and being inspired by his commitment to advocating for nature.
“There is a concept understood by all Indigenous Peoples. That is reciprocity. We are beings, trees are beings, rivers are beings. Our obligation is to take care of each other. That is a powerful idea that we have lost,” Seligmann said.
Indigenous Peoples comprise just 6%of the world population, yet hold up the planet for all beings. About 40% of the planet’s remaining intact ecosystems are found in Indigenous territories.
“Indigenous guardianship is the most time-tested, effective, enduring way to keep the planet healthy,” said Nia Tero CEO ‘Aulani Wilhelm (Kānaka ʻŌiwi, Hawai’i) at the recent U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. “Yet the guardianship protecting these places occurs under terrible pressures, tremendous peril, and receives scant financial support – nowhere near the value that Indigenous Peoples generate for the world.”
In his remarks, Ford also noted that, “Humanity is a part of nature. Not above it. We are losing nature to profiteering, corruption, conflict.”
He added, “We need cultural change.”
Currently, Nia Tero works with ASU’s Rob Walton School of Conservation Futures and ASU’s Rob Walton College of Global Futures for the continued advancement of Indigenous Peoples’ guardianship. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook for updates on this expanding partnership.
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What is Indigenous Peoples’ guardianship and how can you show your support? Learn more here.