War, Peace or Chaos: Indigenous Perspectives on the End of the World

For Native Peoples, the end of the world has been confronted many times since 1492. Drawing on Native prophetic traditions, Indigenous communities have navigated their own apocalypses through spiritual resilience, creativity and connection to the earth. These lived experiences offer important perspectives for understanding and responding to the crises of our own time. This panel examines responses to the end of the world as we know it through Native voices and traditions. Part of Bears Engage 2026: Voices of America, a year-long, nonpartisan series exploring the ideas shaping American democracy. The series highlights diverse perspectives on civic life, leadership and the nation’s evolving story.