Carla Fredericks | The Explorers Club 50

Standing with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Courtesy of Carla Fredericks

Indigenous Rights Advocate

defending and advancing communities

meet carla

Carla Fredericks is a pioneering force in Indigenous rights and sustainable practices. She is the CEO of The Christensen Fund and member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. A Columbia Law School graduate, she has transformed Indigenous relations through groundbreaking work at First Peoples Worldwide and the University of Colorado’s American Indian Law Clinic in law, philanthropy, and academia. Her innovative research and advocacy during the Dakota Access Pipeline controversy revolutionized how companies assess Indigenous rights and social risks. As a legal scholar, practitioner, and advocate, Fredericks bridges Indigenous communities, policy arenas, boardrooms, and academic institutions to advance Indigenous peoples’ rights globally. Her work has redefined corporate accountability frameworks and established new standards for affecting Indigenous communities.

Nominated by: J Mark Fowler, MN’20

Class of 2025 Location USA

Follow carla's work:

Carla with Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation tribal councilwoman, Monica Meyer and Monte Fox at UN headquarters in Geneva Switzerland. Courtesy of Carla Fredericks

Through legal practice, academia, and my current role at The Christensen Fund, I’ve developed frameworks that make Indigenous rights integral to corporate risk assessment. During the Dakota Access Pipeline controversy, our research demonstrated how disregarding Indigenous rights creates substantial financial and reputational risks for companies. This work helped shift billions in investment dollars and established new standards for corporate engagement with Indigenous communities. It also resulted in the name change of the Washington state football team.

The impact extends beyond individual projects. I have worked my entire adult life to change how society values Indigenous peoples and our rights and environmental stewardship. By connecting Indigenous wisdom with modern life, we’re creating pathways for sustainable development that benefits both Indigenous communities and everyone.

Looking ahead, I envision a future where Indigenous peoples’ rights and traditional knowledge are fundamental to business and policy decisions and environmental protection. This work is vital because Indigenous peoples steward 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity. Our shared success in protecting Indigenous rights directly impacts global environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

At Quinault Indian Nation territories, with the Quinault President Fawn Sharp. Courtesy of Carla Fredericks

With Secretary of the Interior Deborah Haaland. Courtesy of Carla Fredericks

“By connecting Indigenous wisdom with modern life, we’re creating pathways for sustainable development that benefits both Indigenous communities and everyone.”

- Carla Fredericks

Standing with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Courtesy of Carla Fredericks

What started as traditional legal advocacy evolved when I saw how corporate decisions affected Native communities. I realized that protecting Indigenous rights required engaging with businesses, not just through courts. This insight led me to develop new approaches combining Indigenous advocacy with corporate accountability.

The turning point came during the Dakota Access Pipeline controversy. Seeing the intersection of tribal sovereignty, corporate responsibility, human rights, and environmental protection crystallized my work. It wasn’t enough to fight individual battles – we need to change how society fundamentally approaches Indigenous people.

Most recently, I worked to help secure and implement the unprecedented $1.7 billion pledge at COP26 to support Indigenous peoples and local communities in their vital role as climate solution leaders. This landmark commitment demonstrates how partnerships and advocacy can mobilize resources at scale for Indigenous communities worldwide.

VIEW THE EC50 2025 PRINT PUBLICATION