Hunting and gathering are deeply embedded in the cultures of many Native American tribes. But as the climate changes, the animals and plants available are changing, too.

Daley-Laursen: “When things are happening that change what grows where, what animals are surviving where, then the tribes are immediately affected because their access to their traditional foods, their ceremonies based on their relationship with the land, all of those things are affected by climate’s change.”

That’s Steven Daley-Laursen of the University of Idaho. He’s director of a program called the “Tribal Climate Camp.” This past summer, the new camp brought together environmental professionals from six Native American tribes across Idaho, Maine, Oregon and Washington.

The camp prepares participants to become climate change leaders within their tribes, first by teaching them basic climate science and relating it to indigenous ecological knowledge. Then by discussing how to create a climate action plan to help their tribes adapt. Finally, they learn fundraising and presentation skills to win Council support back home.

Participants leave ready to guide their tribes on the path to a more resilient and sustainable future.

Reporting credit: ChavoBart Digital Media.

Coeur d’Alene Lake photo: Copyright protected.

More Resources

Tribal Climate Camp website

Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians