Guardians of Life: Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous Science, and Restoring the Planet

"A visually dazzling and deeply informative collection that will linger with readers long after the last page." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Both breathtaking and intimate. . ." -- Foreword Reviews (starred review)

Guardians of Life: Indigenous Science, Indigenous Wisdom and Restoring the Planet, takes readers on an extraordinary visual odyssey--from the Amazon rainforest to Greenland's sea ice--revealing Indigenous communities as Earth's most powerful protectors.

This stunning volume, published by Braided River, is powered by the collective wisdom of more than two dozen Indigenous voices, including activist Quannah Chasinghorse and Palauan statesman Tommy Remengesau Jr. Their expertise is brought forward through National Geographic photojournalist Kiliii Yüyan's striking imagery, the editorial mastery of bestselling author (1491) Charles Mann, and writer Gleb Raygorodetsky's insights.

Together, this collection of powerful images and stories proves how traditional knowledge and modern innovation unite to safeguard the planet. Witness profound stewardship in action: from Mongolia's sacred peaks to Palau’s coral reefs, where ancient wisdom drives cutting-edge conservation.

Cover: Hardcover

Published: 2026