In this deeply moving episode, Khadija is joined by Nigel Maduro, an Indigenous Caquetío community leader from Aruba, sustainability scientist, and frontline land defender. Nigel is a passionate advocate for climate justice, working at the intersection of conservation, indigenous rights, and community mobilisation across the Caribbean.

Together, they explore Nigel’s journey from childhood to activism, tracing how his connection to the land and ancestral knowledge shaped his path as a leader and protector of Aruba’s fragile ecosystems. Nigel reflects on the lasting impacts of tourism, colonialism, and cultural erasure in the Caribbean, calling for reforestation, greater regional unity, and the urgent need to amplify indigenous voices in climate spaces.

The conversation touches on the erasure of Indigenous Caribbean cultures, the importance of visibility and reconnection, and how traditional knowledge can guide modern sustainability practices. Nigel and Khadija also discuss their shared vision for an upcoming webinar to spotlight Indigenous youth environmental defenders in the region.

This episode is a powerful reminder that climate justice must include Indigenous leadership, cultural resurgence, and a fundamental rethinking of how we relate to land and sea. It is both a call to action and a celebration of resilience.

Follow Nigel on Instagram @punky_xx