Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

Xiuhtezcatl is a dynamic speaker, advocate, and author dedicated to reshaping the future through the lens of community, art and activism. Formerly the Youth Director of Earth Guardians, a global environmental activist network, he has emerged as a powerful voice for his generation, championing issues at the intersection of climate justice and social equity.

With an impressive track record, Xiuhtezcatl has delivered multiple TED talks and keynote speeches at the United Nations General Assembly, where he has been a spokesperson for high-profile events since the age of 13. His advocacy has garnered him recognition as one of TIMES’s Next 100, and he has shared the stage with influential figures such as Pharrell, Shailene Woodley, Bernie Sanders, Chance the Rapper, Van Jones, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Redford.

As a published author, Xiuhtezcatl released his first book We Rise at just 16, followed by Imaginary Borders at 18. His writings have resonated across classrooms nationwide and have been featured on multiple best-selling lists, earning him the Kirkus Award for Imaginary Borders.

Beyond his literary contributions, he has been a guest on major platforms like The Daily Show with Trevor Noa and Real Time with Bill Maher, as well as being featured in esteemed publications such as Rolling Stone, National Geographic, Upworthy, The Guardian, Vogue, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, CNN, MSNBC, HBO, Netflix, VICE, and Vogue. His unique ability to connect culture with activism allows him to share the message of his Indigenous roots in a way that inspires and mobilizes others.

In addition to his speaking engagements, Xiuhtezcatl has hosted podcasts and has spoken at hundreds of colleges and universities across the US and Canada beginning as well as corporate events globally. He has also been a plaintiff in the groundbreaking federal lawsuit involving 21 youth suing the U.S. government for failing to protect their rights by perpetuating the climate crisis.

Xiuhtezcatl continues to reclaim space for his community and empower his peers to envision a sustainable, just future. With a passion for engaging and educating those around him, he remains committed to using his voice and actions to foster a better world for generations to come.

Community Made

In “Community Made,” Xiuhtezcatl presents a compelling exploration of the intersection between climate justice, Indigenous sovereignty, and the power of storytelling. This keynote urges us to embrace collective action as the cornerstone for creating enduring systemic change. Drawing from his decades of experience as an artist, organizer, and spokesperson in the climate movement, he delves into the intricate web of oppression that fuels our global human and environmental crises.

Through powerful narratives and insights, Xiuhtezcatl illuminates the interconnectedness of these challenges while highlighting the innovative solutions we are cultivating together. His work not only addresses the urgent need for resistance but also envisions a transformative future rooted in equity, sustainability, and community resilience. Join him in this vital conversation as we forge pathways toward a just and thriving world for all.

Roots Of Revolution

Finding your way in a world where the planet is collapsing, revolution is on the horizon, and youth are rising with the oceans to lead the movements that will shape our future.

Xiuhtezcatl’s generation was born into a rapidly changing world. We are facing total systemic collapse on nearly every level on our planet, temperatures are escalating and oceans are rising as violent weather patterns devastate the world his generation will inherit.

But Youth around the world are standing up and joining hearts and hands against some of the most powerful industries in the world to build a resilient movement and communities to over come this crisis.  Never before has their ever been such an intergenerational opportunity to shape the world we deserve to inherit and want to leave future generations!

Roots of Revolution is an eye opening presentation that inspires you to stand up and take action to protect all that you love!

 “The Inconvenient Proof” The Hidden Impacts Of Fracking

Xiuhtezcatl had been fighting Fracking in Colorado since he was 11 years old.  He has been trained to give this presentation by one of the top Fracking experts in the country. He helped close down a county commissioners meeting, helped get a ban on Fracking in Boulder, and a five year moratorium on Fracking in Boulder County.  He is suing the COGCC – Colorado Oil and Gas Commission for not protecting Colorado against the threats of Fracking and has gotten National coverage for his efforts. In this presentation he combines his knowledge on the dangers of Fracking with his personal journey to stop the industry from destroying the resources that future generations depend on to thrive.

We Are All Indigenous To The Earth

Xiuhtezcatl– deeply rooted in the Aztec tradition– shares his indigenous wisdom and the importance of staying connected to our cultures.  He shares about how his connection with the natural world has influenced him as a young leader, and how important it will be to return to a sacred way of living on the earth. He delves into disappearing cultures around the world, the loss of languages and ancient teachings that could be important guides for turning the tides in the crisis we now face.  His presentation reveals the fact that we are all indigenous to somewhere – the sacred Earth.  By acknowledging our interconnectedness his audiences realize that what we do in one part of the world ultimately affects all. The journey we must begin is one of healing ourselves so that we can heal our earth.

The Path of Guardianship: Creating Change with the Lives We are Already Living

Xiuhtezcatl (Shoe-TEZ-caught) Martinez was just six years old when he took the stage as an activist for our environment. Today, he leads a movement that is both local and global. As the Youth Director of Earth Guardians, a global organization dedicated to training young people to be effective leaders in the environmental, climate and social justice movements, Xiuhtezcatl helps turn activism into meaningful action. His Native American indigenous heritage and talents as a successful hip hop artist allow Xiuhtezcatl to engage in the climate movement in ways that cross generational barriers. From performing with Willow Smith and Jayden to addressing the UN General Assembly (three times) to serving on panels with Bernie Sanders and Van Jones, Xiuhtezcatl remains clear in his mission to save our planet by empowering people the world over to create meaningful change through the lives they are already living.