Thomas Dominguez Lopez

Chair and Director of Communications – IIYC

Thomas Tonatiuh Lopez Jr. was born and raised in the heart of Denver, Colorado. Thomas is a descendant of the Otomi, Diné, Apache and Lakota people. He is a Grandson of Chief Leonard Emmanuel Crowdog Sr. and the Son of Water Woman Sharon Dominguez & Sundance Chief Thomas Lopez Sr. He spent months working with the International Indigenous Youth Council (IIYC) on the ground at Standing Rock to stop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Thomas continues his work with the IIYC to inspire young Indigenous and LGBTQ+ leaders to create authentic, sustainable change. Thomas continues his work with the IIYC as an active board member and mentor. Thomas was recently honored as one of the Advocate’s Champions of Pride for 2019.

Thomas was an integral organizer of the Colorado Climate Strike in Denver. His insight and voice were truly inspirational as he assisted other youth organizers in putting together the largest climate mobilization in Colorado attended by over 7500 people. He was also the creativity behind the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Womxn art installation on the 16th St Mall during the week of action. He worked tirelessly to raise funding, procure supplies and install the art. Thomas will always be a part of our family. We are truly grateful and very lucky to have him as a fellow organizer and friend. We are humbled to be able to honor him as this month’s climate hero. Follow Thomas on twitter @tomvslopez