Indigenous peoples must be in aspirations for all the world.

We are only 5% of the world's populations, but we are protecting 80% of the world's biodiversity.

So we are not only a victim, we are also a solution.

That was Hindu Umaroo Ibrahim, a Rolex awards laureate and environmental advocate who works to raise the voice of indigenous people to help tackle climate change.

To discover other inspiring leaders, visit nytimes.com slash modern-leaders.

From New York Times, I'm Michael Babbaro. This is a Daily.

Despite resistance to the concept throughout much of the country,

Evanston Illinois recently became the first American city to approve a program that will pay reparations to its black residents.

Today, the story of how that happened. A stead hardened spoke to our colleague Megan Tulley.

It's Monday, July 12th.

So Megan, how did you first hear about what's happening in Evanston?

Well, I actually grew up in Evanston. It's the suburb just north of Chicago.

It sits on Lake Michigan. It's home to Northwestern University.

And it's known for being one of the more racially diverse and liberal suburbs in the country.

And this past March, I was scrolling through my Facebook feeds.

And I started to see all these posts about the fact that Evanston had become the first city in the country to pass racial reparations.

Now, this does feel like a pretty big deal.

I mean, I know a little bit about Evanston. I grew up going to summer camps there.

My parents met at Northwestern University. But I've also interviewed several politicians,

including many self-proclaimed progressives who have run from the issue of reparations for years.

Well, you're absolutely right. I mean, the issue of racial reparations has been discussed for many, many years.

But it has really appeared to be a non-starter politically.

...