Podcast Summary
National Park Service Collaborates Closely with Indigenous Peoples for Co-Stewardship: The National Park Service, under new leadership, is actively seeking out and engaging with American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and other indigenous peoples to collaborate on managing and stewarding federal lands and waters, using traditional ecological knowledge to combat climate change and respect indigenous rights.
The National Park Service, under the leadership of its first Native American director, Chuck Sams, is committing to collaborating more closely with American Indian and Alaska Native tribes, as well as other indigenous peoples, in managing and stewarding federal lands and waters. This shift towards co-stewardship is in response to the urgent need for adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change. Instead of the previous "drive-by consulting" approach, the Park Service will now actively seek out and engage with tribes, bringing their traditional ecological knowledge to the table to inform management plans and combat the effects of climate change. This collaboration not only benefits the land and water, but also acknowledges and respects the rights and knowledge of indigenous communities.
Collaborating with Indigenous Communities to Tell More Complete Stories in National Parks: National Park Service strengthens tribal co-stewardship, enriching park experiences and preserving indigenous culture through partnerships
The National Park Service is making strides to tell more complete stories in our national parks by collaborating with indigenous communities. This was highlighted in the new guidance issued on September 13th, which strengthens tribal co-stewardship of national park lands and waters. For example, in Acadia National Park, the Wabanaki people have a partnership with the park service to harvest sweetgrass in a sustainable way on the national park itself. This is just one of the many examples of how these collaborations enrich the park experience and preserve indigenous culture. Another example is the partnership between the National Park Service and the Umatilla tribe at Whitman Mission, where the story is now being told from both perspectives. These partnerships not only provide a more comprehensive understanding of our national parks, but also foster respect and appreciation for the rich history and cultures of indigenous communities.
Traditional ecological knowledge and public lands: Traditional ecological knowledge is being integrated into scientific practice, fostering economic development, and ensuring the resiliency of public lands through a holistic approach to management, considering interconnections between species and ecosystems.
Traditional ecological knowledge is playing an increasingly important role in the management of national parks and public lands. This knowledge, passed down through generations, offers valuable insights into the natural world that can inform scientific research and help ensure the resiliency of ecosystems. From Acadia to Grand Canyon, tribes are collaborating with federal agencies to protect and preserve both flora and fauna, while also fostering economic development. Traditional ecological knowledge is being integrated into scientific practice, with observations from indigenous communities informing the management of species and ecosystems as a whole. Looking ahead, the dream is for a more holistic approach to land management, one that considers the complex interconnections between different species and the ecosystem as a whole, rather than focusing solely on individual species. This approach, which incorporates traditional ecological knowledge, is seen as crucial for ensuring the resiliency of public lands in the face of climate change.
Recognizing the Role of Indigenous Peoples in National Parks: Historically overlooked, indigenous communities are now being recognized for their vital role in managing and connecting with national parks, with a focus on collaboration and inclusion.
The relationship between indigenous peoples and national parks in the United States is complex and fraught with a history of displacement and misunderstanding. However, there is a growing recognition of the importance of indigenous stewardship and knowledge in managing these natural spaces. Historically, conservation efforts have overlooked the role indigenous communities played in managing lands for thousands of years. Many indigenous languages do not have a term for "wilderness," but instead view these spaces as their home. Consultation with indigenous communities has been inadequate in the past, but there is a new push towards meaningful collaboration and inclusion. The National Park Service is committed to working with tribes to fill gaps in resources and support, and there is a hunger among park staff and leadership to build transformative relationships with indigenous communities. This shift in policy is an important step towards healing some of the historical wounds and recognizing the valuable role indigenous peoples have played and continue to play in managing and connecting with the natural world.
Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Western Science: Combining traditional ecological knowledge with western science leads to better conservation outcomes and fosters unity among all parties involved.
Integrating traditional ecological knowledge with western science can lead to a more holistic and effective approach to environmental conservation. Director Chuck Sams, who has worked on salmon and watershed restoration in the Pacific Northwest, shares his experience of the benefits of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into recovery methods for various species and plant life. This approach not only leads to better outcomes but also fosters a sense of unity and understanding among all parties involved. Science, as a common denominator, plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between different ways of understanding and observing the natural world. By combining traditional ecological knowledge with western science, we can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to environmental preservation for future generations.
