From Arirang to Land Back: Dancing for Home, Culture and Climate Justice

What does a BTS dance challenge have to do with climate justice and Land Back? More than you might think.

As we danced to “Hooligan” from Arirang along the shores of Busan, we found ourselves thinking about a simple idea: people protect and nurture what they love.

Across hundreds of generations, songs have carried stories of home, belonging and identity. Arirang, often called Korea’s unofficial anthem, is one of those songs. It has long expressed connections to place, memory and community.

Around the world, Indigenous peoples all have stories, songs and traditions rooted in the lands and waters they have loved and nurtured for millennia.

That connection is at the heart of the Land Back movement.

What Is Land Back?

Land Back supports the return of land, stewardship and decision-making power to Indigenous peoples.

While every Indigenous community has its own history and goals, many Land Back efforts share a common vision: restoring Indigenous leadership in caring for lands, waters and ecosystems.

Why does this matter for climate justice?

Because Indigenous communities often steward some of the most biodiverse places on Earth. According to National Geographic, Indigenous comprise 5% of the world's population and protect 80% of the earth's biodiversity. Supporting Indigenous leadership can strengthen conservation, protect wildlife habitat and preserve cultural knowledge that has been passed down for generations.

Learn From Indigenous-Led Organizations

🌿 Redbud Resource Group

Redbud Resource Group creates educational resources that center Indigenous stories, leadership and climate solutions. Their videos and resources are an excellent starting point for anyone interested in learning more about Indigenous-led approaches to environmental stewardship and community resilience.

Explore: https://www.redbudresourcegroup.org/resources-1

🐟 Land Return and Ecosystem Restoration

The Sustainable Economies Law Center supports Indigenous land return and stewardship by partnering with Tribes, tribal non-profits and land justice efforts that support healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing.

Learn more: https://www.theselc.org/land_return

🌏 Indigenous Women Across Asia and the Pacific

Climate justice is a global movement. UN Women Asia-Pacific highlights the leadership of Indigenous women working to protect their communities, cultures and environments across the Asia-Pacific region.

Read more: https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/focus-areas/governance/womens-access-to-justice/indigenous

What You Can Do

You don’t have to be an expert to get involved. Here are a few simple things you can do:

💜 Watch a video from Redbud Resource Group.

💜 Learn about Indigenous peoples whose lands you live on or visit.

💜 Support Indigenous-led climate solutions with your community.

💜 Assist with funding of land return and land stewardship efforts of local Indigenous Tribes and Tribal organizations through charitable giving, wills, trusts, and estate planning.

💜 Follow us on IG and subscribe to our Youtube

Small actions can lead to deeper understanding. And understanding can lead to meaningful change.

Dancing for a Better Future

At BTSARMY4Earth and Climate Hope, we believe climate action can be creative, hopeful an joyful.

Sometimes it looks like community organizing.

Sometimes it looks like conservation.

Sometimes it looks like supporting Indigenous leadership.

And sometimes it looks like dancing to BTS on a beach in Busan.

From Arirang to Land Back, we are reminded that the places we love are worth protecting, and that caring for people and planet go hand in hand.