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2024 Tribal Climate Workshop
In Fall 2024, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) hosted a highly successful three-day Tribal Climate Workshop. The event brought together over 50 participants from approximately 15 Tribal Nations, alongside representatives from over 15 Tribal organizations, federal partners, and local community members.
Participating Tribal Nations included:
- Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah,
- Rosebud Sioux Tribe,
- Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe,
- Standing Rock Sioux Tribe,
- Yankton Sioux Tribe,
- Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation,
- Spirit Lake Tribe,
- Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes,
- Omaha Tribe,
- Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe,
- Fort Belknap Indian Community,
- Lower Brule Sioux Tribe,
- Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes,
- Blackfeet Nation, and
- Oglala Sioux Tribe.
This diverse gathering created a rich platform for sharing knowledge, strengthening partnerships, and advancing Tribal climate resilience initiatives. Tribal leaders, elders, youth, and climate professionals united to exchange invaluable insights, fostering collaboration and cultural exchange.
Workshop Objectives: Sharing Knowledge, Facilitating Collaboration
The Tribal Climate Workshop provided a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices, showcasing how Tribes are actively pursuing climate resilience and sustainability. A key focus was facilitating networking and collaboration by highlighting the importance of integrating Traditional Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and fostering partnerships to address climate change. The event evaluated the current status of Tribal climate planning, identifying pathways to secure funding, develop plans, and implement impactful projects.
Event Highlights: Meaningful Dialogues, Conservation Site Visits
The workshop began with keynote addresses by esteemed Tribal leaders and climate experts. Dr. Dan Wildcat, a renowned scholar in Indigenous Knowledge and climate change, delivered an empowering keynote that inspired action and reflection. Elder Stephen SmallSalmon offered an inspiring talk that emphasized the deep cultural and spiritual connections to the land, reminding participants of the importance of traditional wisdom in addressing climate challenges.
During the workshop, attendees explored funding opportunities and adaptation planning, emphasizing the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and cultural practices into climate action plans. Interactive discussions allowed participants to engage in meaningful dialogues on critical topics such as buffalo reintroduction, Tribal land and water management, and the intersection of human health and food sovereignty. Participants also shared strategies for bolstering Tribal sustainability, strengthening the collective capacity to address pressing climate challenges. Additionally, a panel featuring elders and youth fostered intergenerational dialogue, offering diverse perspectives and deepening cultural connections.
As part of the workshop, attendees observed some of the CSKT’s restoration and conservation efforts, which included a tour of the CSKT whitebark pine restoration project and greenhouse, gaining valuable insights into restoration efforts and climate adaptation strategies. They also ended the three-day event at the CSKT Bison Range, where participants learned about the cultural and ecological significance of bison conservation and got to experience the range’s land, waters, and wildlife.
Other workshop highlights included a memorable lunch of buffalo stew and salmon that celebrated traditional food sources and culinary heritage, as well as an electric vehicle ride-and-drive event that showcased innovative, sustainable transportation solutions.
The Tribal Climate Workshop stands as a testament to the power of Tribal leadership, Traditional Knowledge, and collaboration. By fostering connections and sharing innovative solutions, the event empowered attendees to take immediate action to protect their environments and communities. Together, these efforts contribute to the collective strength and sustainability of Indigenous Nations across the region.
Given the success of the workshop, the organizers hope to make it a recurring event that continues to unite Tribal Nations and partners in advancing resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change.
Participating Organizations
The workshop was organized by a collaborative planning team made up of climate coordinators from the Tribal Nations of CSKT, Blackeet Tribe, and Forth Belkap Indian Community, as well as representatives from the Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP), the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC), the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), and the North Central Tribal Climate Resilience Liaisons Kynser Wahwahsuck Bell and Janna Black.
In addition to Tribal Nations, the workshop was enriched by the presence of numerous Tribal organizations, federal partners, and local community members who brought their expertise and resources to the discussions, including:
- Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
- Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity at Montana State University
- Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
- Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
- Great Plains Tribal Water Alliance
- U.S. Geological Survey
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- U.S. Forest Service
- Mountains and Plains Thriving Communities Collaborative
- North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center
- Piikani Lodge Health Institute
- InterTribal Buffalo Council
- Johns Hopkins University, Center for Indigenous Health
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Montana Sierra Club
The workshop was sponsored by the CSKT, the Great Plains Tribal Water Alliance, the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
This article was written in collaboration with the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center and the Great Plains Tribal Water Alliance.
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