Available
February 15, 2026!
Guardians of Life: Indigenous Science, Indigenous Wisdom and Restoring the Planet, is an extraordinary visual journey that reveals Indigenous communities as Earth's most powerful protectors. The odyssey spans the globe, from Palau's coral reefs and Mongolia's steppes to the Amazon's rainforests and Greenland's sea ice.
This stunning volume 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.
“Indigenous peoples have mastered the art of living on Earth without destroying it. They continue to teach and lead by example. We must heed these lessons, if we want our grandchildren to have a future.”
—Jon Waterhouse, S’klallam, Chippeqa-Cree
About the Contributors
Kiliii Yüyan
Photographer and National Geographic Explorer Kiliii Yüyan (Author and Photographer) brings to life stories from the Arctic sea ice, beneath the waves, and within the heart of human communities. Of Chinese and Nanai/Hèzhé (East Asian Indigenous) descent, he works through a cross-cultural lens, exploring how humanity—inseparable from the natural world—lives in relationship with land and sea.
Kiliii has spent years immersed in the polar regions, documenting Indigenous lifeways, marine ecosystems, and remote landscapes. His fieldwork is shaped by experience in the field: he has faced down a stalking polar bear, dived among sea snakes, and found connection and understanding among people often overlooked at the world’s edges. His photography and storytelling appear in National Geographic, TIME, Vogue, WIRED, and other major publications. He also builds traditional kayaks, maintaining a living link to his northern Indigenous heritage.
In 2023, Kiliii was honored with the Eliza Scidmore Award for Outstanding Storytelling, one of National Geographic’s highest recognitions. His work has been recognized by Pictures of the Year, Leica Oscar-Barnack, PDN, and ASMP, and is held in museum collections across the U.S.
A dynamic speaker and storyteller, Kiliii has taken the stage at TEDx, toured with NatGeo Live, and now keynotes through Changemaker Talent, sharing the human stories behind his images. Based in Seattle, he is more commonly found beneath the sea or atop Arctic ice. kiliii.com
Quannah Chasinghorse
Quannah Chasinghorse (Foreword) is a Gwich’in supermodel and activist. Quannah is known for breaking barriers in the fashion industry while using her platform to advocate for Indigenous rights, climate justice, and representation for Indigenous people. @quannah.rose
Charles C. Mann
Charles C. Mann (Essay Contributor) is the award-winning author of 1491. He has worked with Kiliii on a National Geographic article on the topic of sovereignty, and is an acclaimed writer, Indigenous peoples' ally, and National Geographic Explorer. @CharlesCMann
Gleb Raygorodetsky
Gleb Raygorodetsky (Essay Contributor) is a contributing writer to a special issue of National Geographic dedicated to this topic under the name: Indigenous Futures. glebraygorodetsky.com
Contributions to the Epilogue from
Erjen Khamaganova, Elder of the Buryat-Mongolian Khongoodor and Sagaan clans, and a member of Council of Elders of the World Union of Indigenous Spiritual Practitioners
Tommy Esang Remengesau Jr., Palauan politician. Tommy served as the Palauan president between 2001-2009 and 2013-2021
Lisa Morehead-Hillman, Karuk/Yurok traditional basketweaver
Leaf Hillman, Natural Resources & Environmental Policy Director with the Karuk Tribe
GUARDIANS
Indigenous Practices and Knowledge in Guardians of Life Include:
Alaska
Restoring
Whales
Greenland
Choosing The Kayak
& Dogsled
Palau
Taking Care
Of The Sea
California
Restoring
The River
Ecuador
Perpetuating the
Rain Forest
Alberta-Montana
Bringing Back
The Buffalo
Mongolia
Going Beyond
Ecology
Vancouver Island
Rebuilding
Sovereignty
Australia
Preserving
With Flames
Including many more Indigenous voices.
Indigenous knowledge and practices are central to conservation efforts to protect biological and cultural diversity and address the climate crisis.