Climate change and migration: Restoring the sacredness of migration

01 April 2022

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Many harmful narratives surrounding climate change and migration focus on the threat posed by climate change-induced migration. But these narratives can be divisive, and they can trigger fear.

UN Human Rights aims to change the narrative on migration and climate change by promoting hope-based stories of migrants and communities working together to address the adverse impacts of climate change.

These hope-based illustrations were created by Magda Castría, a feminist illustrator and graphic designer from Argentina. She produces editorial, animation, motion graphics and digital media projects focused on defending human rights.

In this new story as part of our illustrated series on migration and climate change, Castría focuses on the importance of preserving and respecting our relationship with nature.

Together, using stories like these, and celebrating the power of community, we believe we can create local solutions to climate change.

To find out more about how to help change the narrative on migration and migrant human rights, visit the UN Human Rights Toolbox.

Climate change and migration: Restoring the Sacredness of Migration
For thousands of years, salmon and humans migrated freely across territories. Humans had a unique relationship with plants and animals and promised that they would take care of them.
There was a tribe who believed that in the beginning of time salmon gave them their voice. They promised to stand up for salmon to preserve the sacredness of salmon migration, that was good for the people and animals.
Then humans began to forget their responsibility as caretakers. Some of them built dams and border walls to prohibit the movement of salmon and humans. This endangered the way of life of the people and the salmon.
Chief Caleen Sisk remembered her people's prophecy, "when there are no more Salmon, there will be no more people!" She saw that the changes humans were making to Mother Earth were harming the plants, animals and themselves, too. Realizing the loss of salmon would impact so many people, she prayed for guidance to restore balance.
The Chief and her grandchildren saw that the only way to heal Mother Earth and the people was to follow the salmon and pray for their return She invited everyone to join her on a 300-mile peaceful journey. People of many cultures came together to exercise their right to assemble and called for change through singing, dancing walking and praying for the salmon to return.
As the people walked along the river, they saw the horrific pollution of the Water and hundreds of dead salmon caused by dams and warming temperatures. They were sad but continued to speak out to government officials, the media and others so everyone could learn about what was happening.
Before long, others heard their prayers and calls to action and were inspired to act towards restoring the sacredness of migration by removing dams and border walls. They remembered the beauty of monarchs, salmon, rivers and humans moving freely across territories and how it is needed to restore balance.
The children's hearts rejoiced to see people from diverse backgrounds come together, united in their shared valves and love for Mother Earth. Together, they dreamed of a future where people, waters and animals Could move freely again to restore harmony for the world.
This story was produced in partnership with #Run4Salmon @Run4Salmon

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