These in-their-own-words pieces are told to Patricia Lane and co-edited with input from the interviewee for the purpose of brevity.

Jose Reyeros sees his Latinx culture as a pathway to climate resilience. Co-founder and leader of Ritmos Climáticos, the 23-year-old University of British Columbia graduate from Mexico merges a good time with the hard work of community organizing.

Tell us about your project.

Ritmos Climáticos is a youth-led movement mobilizing culture for climate justice. All the facts and strategy won’t save us without our stories, food, music, rhythms and values. Our co-founder Mackenzie Kuenz’s samba dancing is just as important as her climate justice activism. My passion for scuba diving defines me, as does my interest in systems. Other group members’ talents for playing the Brazilian pandeiro, cumbia dancing, storytelling and caring for each other inspire and ground us as much as their support for Indigenous sovereignty and community organizing.

Our culture is the product of our ancestors’ wisdom. Their connection to the land kept them going. It will also sustain us. It is key to our future.

We have come together just by being friends in the most informal way........

© National Observer