Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
The Office of Sustainability has introduced Chiara "Sunshine" Beaumont as their newest Net-Zero Hero, recognizing her contributions to environmental activism and Indigenous education. Beaumont, a member of the Karankawa Hawk Clan, is known for organizing on behalf of Indigenous communities across Texas.
Chiara Beaumont shared insights into her journey during an interview at Red Salmon Arts and Roy G. Guerrero Park. Reflecting on her inspiration, she said, "I've always loved the outdoors... My mom is an angel that walks the Earth." She credited her mother with instilling pride in their heritage and emphasized the importance of acknowledging one's roots.
As an outdoor educator and resistance artist, Beaumont integrates Indigenous ideology into her teachings. She challenges colonial narratives through classes and workshops focused on "decolonizing environmental activism." Her reconnect walks encourage participants to find connections with nature by sharing historical perspectives and personal insights.
Beaumont's art serves as a means to express emotions tied to her identity and struggles faced by Indigenous communities. Her work aims to reflect the experiences of living on ancestral lands while witnessing ongoing injustices.
When discussing leadership lessons from Karankawa practices, Beaumont stated, "Leaders should not want to be leaders... Your people should be elevating you to that position." She advocates for reform rooted in community service rather than self-interest.
Red Salmon Arts holds significance for Beaumont as a space for community gathering and cultural preservation. Founded by raúlrsalinas, it continues to serve as a hub for Indigenous expression and solidarity.
For those interested in learning more about Indigenous cultures in Austin or supporting net-zero initiatives, resources such as native-land.ca and the Austin Climate Equity Plan are recommended. The Office of Sustainability encourages sharing net-zero efforts using #NetZeroHero on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook.
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