United South and Eastern Tribes Hosts 3rd Tribal Climate Resilience Camp

Dates: November 22, 2024 8:00am to 5:00pm

From June 10-24, 2024, representatives from five United South and Eastern Tribes (USET) member Tribal Nations, Northeast and Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs), and other federal agencies came together for the USET 3rd Tribal Climate Resilience Camp. Inspired by the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Tribal Climate Camps, the camps allowed teams from each Tribal Nation to make progress on their own climate change goals and initiatives with support from instructors. 

The five Tribal Nations that participated in the Tribal climate resilience camp included the Catawba Indian Nation, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Nansemond Indian Nation, and Seneca Nation of Indians.

The week began with a keynote address given by Dr. Lara Jacobs, postdoctoral research associate at Michigan State University and citizen of Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Dr. Jacobs’ keynote presentation highlighted the profound historical impacts of genocide, ecocide, and land dispossession on Indigenous peoples, ecosystems, and other non-human kin. She emphasized ongoing neocolonial practices, such as prioritizing profit over environmental responsibility. 

Doctor Jacobs showcased Indigenous-led climate adaptation efforts as positive examples despite these major challenges, while raising concerns about the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge in federal decision-making without adequate data sovereignty protections. She urged a shift towards centering Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous self-determination, and Indigenous data sovereignty in land management to transform power dynamics and achieve more equitable environmental stewardship. Her framework proposes moving from managing land for or with Indigenous peoples to management by and as Indigenous peoples.

The importance of land and culture were also woven into the Tribal Climate Resilience Camp curriculum through basketry demonstrations, stories shared by citizens of Catawba Indian Nation and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and a highly-praised guided nature walk. Staff from seven partner organizations and federal agencies gave presentations on resources, programs, successes, and funding opportunities related to Indigenous climate resilience, while the CASCs provided information about their programs, opportunities for involvement and funding, and their efforts to better understand the climate adaptation science priorities of Tribal Nations across the regions. Additionally, two representatives from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) presented on their activities and the TCR Annual Awards Program.

At the heart of the climate camp were the breakout sessions in which each Tribal Nation team worked on a project or priority that they bring to the camp. This year's teams worked on defining climate funding strategies, outlining a vulnerability assessment, advancing an adaptation plan, and exploring the foundations and next steps for climate resilience programs within the Nations. Work sessions each day included support from USET and Northeast and Southeast CASC staff, who were matched with teams based on interests and expertise.

The week culminated with presentations by each team on their efforts and their plans to continue their crucial work after the Tribal Climate Resilience Camp. Camp attendees shared that they most enjoyed breakout time with support staff and their experiences learning from other Tribal Nation teams.

More about USET

The United South and Eastern Tribes (USET) is an inter-Tribal non-profit organization serving 33 member Tribal Nations located from the Northern Woodlands down to the Everglades and across the Gulf of Mexico and hosts the liaisons to the Northeast and Southeast CASCs. 

Learn more about USET.

This article was written in collaboration with the Northeast CASC and the Southeast CASC.

View All News