UUSC and UUCSJ Response to the Shooting of Indigenous Climate Activist Jacob Johns

UPDATE (11/2/23): Jacob Johns has been released from the hospital and is flying to Spokane, Wash. to convalesce. We are holding him in our thoughts. If you would like to donate to his Go Fund Me campaign, you can do so here.

UPDATE—On October 5, it was announced that Jacob Johns has had his feeding tubes removed and is finally able to speak. Though he has significant damage to several vital organs, he is on the slow path to recovery and his heart and mind are still dedicated to the larger struggles of climate justice and equity that lie ahead. Learn more: https://www.backbonecampaign.org/justiceandunity.

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September 29—We are holding Jacob Johns, Indigenous climate activist, artist, musician, father, and Unitarian Universalist in great care and invite you to join us in supporting Jacob in his healing and organizing journey.

Jacob was shot in the chest on the morning of Thursday, September 28, during a No Juan de Oñate statue peaceful protest in Tewa territory (more commonly known as Española, New Mexico) and is currently in the ICU. This protest was in response to local plans to build a conquistador monument.

There are two ways you can financially support Jacob during this most difficult time and through the long haul of recovery

• Via the GoFundMe platform which has been launched for Jacob: https://gofund.me/0a63153a 
• Via the Backbone Campaign, in support of Jacob’s ongoing Community Supported Organizing page, where tax-deductible donations can be made: https://www.backbonecampaign.org/jacob

Violence against Indigenous people has not stopped since colonialism began and it continues to escalate, often without accountability, as the climate crisis unfolds. As relatives, friends, and allies, we are called to collective care for each other and this sacred planet. It is an honor and an obligation to be co-strugglers. If you are deep in the struggle, please receive this message as deep witness and solidarity. If you have been comfortably numb, please receive this message as an invitation to turn toward relationship with each other, with the environment, for the wellbeing of us all.