The Critical Need for Indigenous and Native Leadership in Climate Change Action
Imagine what our world could be like if centuries-old sustainable practices and science were the guiding force in the fight against climate change.
Indigenous and Native American cultures have long held a sacred connection to the land, relying on natural resources for sustenance and cultural and spiritual traditions. Today, as the global climate crisis intensifies, it poses a disproportionate threat to these communities, whose resilience has been undermined by a history of colonization and displacement.
While other communities struggle on a warming planet, Native tribes are experiencing an environmental peril exacerbated by policies — first imposed by white settlers and later the United States government — that forced them onto the country's least desirable lands. (Flavelle and Goodluck, 2021)
Many tribes were displaced from their ancestral lands and forced onto reservations, often in remote areas and places especially susceptible to extreme weather events and changes in climate patterns. Consequently, Native tribes now experience environmental peril exacerbated by policies imposed by white settlers and later the United States government. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, Indigenous peoples have created climate action plans and policies, often predating those of Western governments and organizations.
Sadly, contemporary policymaking still largely overlooks Indigenous knowledge and science. This blog will explore the critical need for Indigenous and Native leadership in climate change action, delving into their unique contributions, the barriers they face, and the urgent need to amplify their voices. Join me as I advocate for a more inclusive, diverse, and practical approach to tackling the global climate crisis.
What Communicators Can Get Out of This Project
No one understands climate change better than those living intimately with the land…
Understanding the Connection to the Land
No one understands climate change better than those living intimately with the land. The topic of climate change, climate action, and the intersection with Indigenous and Native American leadership, knowledge, and treaty rights are vastly complex. As communicators, we are responsible for demystifying complex concepts and creating awareness and action in ways that various audiences can understand.
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Communities
Extreme weather events and their impacts are felt by affected communities, regardless of the terms used to explain the phenomenon. While reporting and data are becoming more available, their accessibility to all—especially the most affected communities—remains limited. The gap between science and communities has led to valuable missed opportunities and, in some cases, inaction, denial, or even violence toward those addressing the global climate crisis. A study titled The Supply Chain of Violence (Butt, Lambrick, Menton, 2019) shows that the death toll of Indigenous activists matches those of active war zone within the same measured timeframe.
The Role of Communicators in Shaping Narratives
Communicators can help shape narratives about climate change in terms of people’s lives and stories. This effort goes beyond simplifying language, grammar, and jargon. We need to identify what is missing in the story. Often in environmental and climate work, it is the Indigenous and Native American perspective. Indigenous activists and defenders are frequently invisible to the media, while celebrity activists with access to status, resources, and favorable citizenship often overshadow their work.
No one understands climate change better than those living intimately with the land, those whose cultures, sovereignty, and survival are directly in step with it; those who do not have the means to ignore the effects of climate change via seasonal travel, second homes, air conditioning, and filtering, easy access to clean water, air, and food. – Mali Obomsawin
Central Themes for Communicators
We will focus on several critical central themes for communicators to be aware of when discussing Native climate action. These themes will help create a more comprehensive and inclusive narrative, shedding light on the vital role Indigenous and Native American communities play in combating climate change. Our primary themes include:
Acknowledging the Unique Vulnerability of Native Americans to Climate Change:
We will explore the historical and systemic factors that have made Native American communities particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. These factors include forced displacement onto reservations, which governments have often located in remote areas and places susceptible to extreme weather events and changes in climate patterns. By understanding these communities’ unique challenges, communicators can create more empathetic and accurate narratives.
Engaging with Native Knowledge as Essential to Addressing Climate Change:
Indigenous and Native American cultures have developed complex ecological knowledge and science systems guiding sustainable living for generations. Engaging with and incorporating this knowledge, we can develop more effective solutions to address the climate crisis. We will discuss specific examples of Indigenous-led climate initiatives and emphasize the integral role of Indigenous knowledge systems in driving contemporary climate change strategies.
The Crucial Role of Tribal Policy, Rights, and Sovereignty in Fighting Climate Change:
Recognizing the importance of Indigenous self-determination, we will delve into the complex relationship between tribal policy, rights, and sovereignty and their role in climate change action. These concepts include examining how respecting and upholding treaty rights, land rights, and resource rights can empower Indigenous communities to lead the fight against climate change.
An Interview With Stacey McQuade
After delving into the core themes around Indigenous leadership in climate action, we can gain further understanding and insight by turning to the voices and experiences of Indigenous leaders themselves. One such leader is Stacey McQuade, who, through her extensive work and dedication, has embodied the very intersection of Indigenous leadership and environmental advocacy we've been discussing.
Discover the insights of Stacey, a trailblazer in Native American and Indigenous leadership in environmental work and climate change action. During our conversation, Stacey was the Senior Equity and Native Programs Manager at the King County Office of Equity, Racial & Social Justice. She now fills an influential role as Executive Director of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation (ATNI-EDC).
Stacey McQuade, Senior Equity and Native American Program Manager, Office of Equity, Racial and Social Justice and member of Native American Leadership Council, accepting Indigenous People’s Day Proclamation from King County Councilmembers.
(Photo from KCEmployees.com)
Stacey, a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, Montana, carries a wealth of knowledge in Indigenous law and policy, having earned her Juris Doctor in Indian Law and Transactional Law from the prestigious University of Montana School of Law. Her experience at King County, notably on special projects for the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), has enriched her understanding of Indigenous policy, law, and outreach.
Dive into our in-depth conversation as we uncover the imperative role of Native American and Indigenous leadership in the climate movement. Stacey emphasizes why incorporating Native wisdom and respecting treaty laws aren't just about equity – they're necessary for effective, sustainable, and fair climate action.
This is what is important. It's creating an opportunity for allyship and champions. That's going to promote folks leaning into these areas with curiosity and really wanting to understand. Getting beyond their own biases. Because even still today—even still today—Native American people are still deemed or considered and afterthought. — Stacey McQuade-Eger
Our enlightening conversation with Stacey McQuade offers a compelling on-the-ground perspective of Indigenous leadership in climate action. Now, having heard firsthand about the triumphs and challenges in this realm, let's revisit our initial themes. We'll dive deeper into each one, unpacking their complexities and exploring how they manifest in the real world. The aim is to provide more depth and context around these topics, highlighting their significance within the broader discussion on Indigenous leadership in climate action.
The Unique Vulnerability of Native Americans to Climate Change: A Closer Look
A Way of Life Inextricably Tied to Natural Resources
Indigenous communities, with their livelihoods closely bound to the natural environment, have a distinct vulnerability to climate change. The complex ecological systems they've nurtured and sustained are now turning unpredictable, posing significant threats to their ways of life, which are intricately tied to these systems. For example, changing seasonal patterns can disrupt the harvest of traditional medicinal plants, and warmer rivers can impact salmon populations, a critical resource for many tribes. Yet, these communities are not passive victims of these changes. Drawing from a deep well of ancestral resilience, Indigenous peoples are developing innovative strategies to adapt and respond to the shifting climate, ensuring their cultural practices continue for generations.
Infrastructure and Services Gap on Tribal Lands
While tribal lands often lack essential services, healthcare facilities, and robust infrastructure, making them particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Native communities demonstrate remarkable resilience and ingenuity. For instance, nearly 40% of the homes on Navajo Nation lands lack running water, a significant challenge in the face of climate-related disasters such as drought. Nevertheless, the Navajo and other tribes are finding ways to mitigate these challenges, devising grassroots solutions and pushing for policy changes to protect their communities better.
Historical Displacement to Vulnerable Lands
Historically, Native peoples have been forced off their ancestral lands onto reservations, often in regions prone to harsh weather and climate events. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota, for example, has experienced significant flooding from the Missouri River, which not only damages infrastructure but also threatens sacred sites. Despite these challenges, Indigenous communities are leading efforts to safeguard their lands and cultures, using traditional science and modern techniques to adapt to climate change.
Unexpected Impacts: Linking Climate Change to Social Issues
Climate change does not only affect the physical world. It can also contribute to complex community social issues, including domestic and sexual violence. This correlation may not seem apparent, but as resources dwindle and stress levels rise in the face of the climate crisis, social issues can also escalate. Here too, Indigenous communities are demonstrating their resilience, strengthening community ties, and working towards solutions that address these social challenges in the context of climate change.
The Economic and Environmental Impact of Land Dispossession
A ground-breaking study from Yale University, Colorado State University, and the University of Michigan quantifies land dispossession's staggering economic and environmental impact on Indigenous communities. The data underscores the urgent need to address this historical injustice to empower Native communities to withstand the impacts of climate change better. In the face of this adversity, Indigenous communities are reclaiming their rights, asserting their sovereignty, and leading the way in environmental stewardship and climate resilience. Their strength and stability testify to the power of Indigenous wisdom and the critical role of Indigenous leadership in addressing our global climate crisis.
By acknowledging and understanding these unique vulnerabilities, we can address them with empathy, respect, and a commitment to justice and equity. This acknowledgment is the first step toward creating effective climate change strategies that are responsive to the needs of Native American communities.
…seeking Indigenous knowledge to inform environmental decision-making implies that Indigenous peoples are stakeholders instead of self-determining nations with rights and responsibilities regarding their knowledge systems and lands. Indigenous sovereignty is not respected when knowledge is treated as mere data for collective decision-making. (Latulippe and Klenk 2020, 7-14)
The Indispensable Role of Native Knowledge in Addressing Climate Change: Unpacking Misconceptions
Indigenous Stewardship and Global Biodiversity
Despite representing only 5% of the world's population, Indigenous communities protect 80% of global biodiversity. This speaks volumes about their deep-rooted understanding of nature's rhythms and importance in maintaining ecological balance.
Indigenous-Managed Lands: A Testament to Sustainability
Studies have shown that lands under Indigenous management often fare better than non-protected and protected areas managed by governmental bodies. This can be seen in places like the Brazilian Amazon, where deforestation rates in Indigenous-managed territories have consistently remained lower than in other regions.
Island in British Columbia
Challenging the Delegitimization of Indigenous Science
A prevailing bias persists in how we perceive Indigenous knowledge systems. Traditional practices, refined over generations through observation, experimentation, and engineering, are often disregarded as unscientific, seen as "different ways of knowing," and relegated to history and tradition. This often ignores the active scientific processes inherent in these systems and dismisses them as merely "observational" or "traditional ecological knowledge."
Despite a keen awareness of climate change, northern Indigenous Peoples have had limited participation in climate-change science due to limited access, power imbalances, and differences in worldview. A western science emphasis on facts and an indigenous emphasis on relationships to spiritual and biophysical components indicate significant but distinct contributions that each knowledge system can make. …To the extent that indigenous issues are considered, assessments have been largely about indigenous people, not by them. (Cochrane, 2013, 49-59)
Integrating Indigenous and Western Ways: The Swinomish Example
However, efforts are underway to bridge the divide between Western science and Indigenous knowledge. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community's revival of ancient mariculture practices, like clam gardening, offers a compelling example. Collaborating with researchers, they're leveraging traditional techniques to boost native clam populations, increase food security, provide environmental benefits, and uphold Native knowledge. Yet, it must be recognized as more than just an application of "traditional knowledge" —a validation of Indigenous science.
Reframing Science and Creating Opportunities for Indigenous Leadership
Two essential tasks emerge. First, we must redefine our understanding of what constitutes "science," giving Native knowledge its rightful recognition. Second, we must create opportunities for Indigenous thought leadership to inform and transform our resource management and climate adaptation strategies. This would contribute to a more comprehensive and effective approach to environmental challenges and go a long way in honoring the intellectual sovereignty of Indigenous communities.
Exercising Tribal Policy, Rights, and Sovereignty: A Crucial Factor in Climate Change Mitigation
Understanding and Upholding Treaty Law
Often complex and widely misunderstood, treaty law represents a contentious history of agreements with Indigenous people, frequently marked by breaches and shifting land borders. It's crucial to recognize that climate change impacts span well beyond the environment, seeping into health, the economy, food production, housing, and more. Over 110 countries and the United Nations acknowledge a healthy environment as a fundamental human right — a principle yet to be embraced by the United States. Treaty rights can potentially serve as a compelling tool to compel the U.S. to protect the environment for tribal nations, thereby opening up new legal avenues in the battle against climate change.
The Treaty of Point Elliott: A Case Study
Consider the Treaty of Point Elliott, an agreement signed in 1855. Washington Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens promised the signatories, "As long as the rivers run, as long as the tide flows, and as long as the sun shines, you will have land, fish, and game for your frying pans, and timber for your lodges."
The Treaty of Point Elliott guaranteed hunting and fishing rights and reservations to all Tribes represented by the Native signers.
In return for the reservation and other benefits promised in the treaty by the United States government, the Duwamish Tribe exchanged over 54,000 acres of their homeland. Today those 54,000 acres include the cities of Seattle, Renton, Tukwila, Bellevue, Mercer Island, and much of King County. - DuwamishTribe.org
Treaty Rights as a Powerful Mechanism for Environmental Justice
Historically, Indigenous communities have effectively employed treaty rights as a formidable tool to protect their environments, securing significant victories in advocating for land and water rights and even halting damaging industrial projects like coal terminals and gas pipelines. However, as the critical impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, tribal nations are beginning to reassess the untapped potential of treaty rights as a mechanism to combat this existential crisis.
Over the past several decades, tribal nations have fought on that environmental vanguard through the powerful mechanism of treaty rights.
This has won tribes major victories for land and water rights, as well as stalled or defeated coal terminals and gas pipelines.
To date, none have directly used treaty rights to tackle climate change head-on. But across Indian Country, as climate threats become clearer, more are beginning to wonder: Why not? (Smith, 2019)
From Consultation to Consent: A Necessary Shift
The distinction between consultation and consent is essential. Consultation often implies a one-sided communication where Indigenous communities are informed about decisions already made. In contrast, consent requires active participation and agreement from these communities. Embracing this shift can greatly strengthen tribal sovereignty and influence climate change strategies. By recognizing and exercising tribal policy, rights, and sovereignty, we can engage a powerful ally in the fight against climate change, moving closer to a more equitable and sustainable future.
Let’s Wrap Up
The wisdom, science, resilience, and leadership of Indigenous and Native American communities are invaluable in our shared struggle against climate change. Their earned understanding of the land, their rights under tribal law and treaties, and their sustainable practices rooted in centuries of experimentation and relationship serve as a beacon for the rest of the world.
As communicators, we have a profound responsibility to share these stories and amplify these voices, shifting our narratives towards ones that recognize the total value of Indigenous knowledge and science. This shift is not just about equity or fairness—it is a necessary step in our collective journey towards a more sustainable, resilient, and climate-just world. Let us move forward with curiosity, respect, and a readiness to learn, fostering true allyship in our fight against climate change. In amplifying Indigenous voices and recognizing their leadership, we can usher in a new era of climate action that is inclusive, equitable, and deeply connected to the land we all share.
Let’s envision a present and future where Indigenous wisdom, sustainable practices, and science are respected and the driving force in the fight against climate change. — Antonio Herrera Garza
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References
On Unique Vulnerability
• Maldonado, Julie Koppel, Benedict Colombi, and Rajul Pandya. Climate change and Indigenous peoples in the United States. Springer International Pu, 2016. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-05266-3#bibliographic-information
• Maldonado, Julie, T. M. Bennett, Karletta Chief, Patricia Cochran, Karen Cozzetto, Bob Gough, Margaret Hiza Redsteer, Kathy Lynn, Nancy Maynard, and Garrit Voggesser. “Engagement with indigenous peoples and honoring traditional knowledge systems.” In The U.S. National Climate Assessment, pp. 111-126. Springer, Cham, 2016. https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs/rmrs_p071/rmrs_p071_161_176.pdf
• Norton-Smith, Kathryn, Kathy Lynn, Karletta Chief, Karen Cozzetto, Jamie Donatuto, Margaret Hiza Redsteer, Linda E. Kruger, Julie Maldonado, Carson Viles, and Kyle P. Whyte. “Climate change and indigenous peoples: a synthesis of current impacts and experiences.” Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-944. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 136 p. 944 (2016). https://www.fs.usda.gov/pnw/pubs/pnw_gtr944.pdf
• Stroble, J., S. Rahman (eds.), and the Climate Equity Community Task Force. 2020. Section II: Sustainable & Resilient Frontline Communities. In: King County 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan. [King County Climate Action Team (eds.)]. King County, Washington. https://your.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/climate/documents/scap-2020-approved/2020-scap-sustainable-and-resilient-frontline-communities-section.pdf
• Whitely Binder, L.C. (ed.), and the Climate Preparedness Steering Committee. 2020. Section III: Preparing for Climate Change. In: King County 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan. [King County Climate Action Team (eds.)]. King County, Washington. https://your.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/climate/documents/scap-2020-approved/2020-scap-preparing-for-climate-change-section.pdf
On Native Knowledge
• Cochran, Patricia, Orville H. Huntington, Caleb Pungowiyi, Stanley Tom, F. Stuart Chapin, Henry P. Huntington, Nancy G. Maynard, and Sarah F. Trainor. “Indigenous frameworks for observing and responding to climate change in Alaska.” In Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples in the United States, pp. 49-59. Springer, Cham, 2013. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-05266-3_5
• Isaac, Gwyneira, Symma Finn, Jennie R. Joe, Elizabeth Hoover, Joseph P. Gone, Clarita Lefthand-Begay, and Stewart Hill. “Native American perspectives on health and traditional ecological knowledge.” Environmental health perspectives 126, no. 12 (2018): 125002. https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/EHP1944
• Latulippe, Nicole, and Nicole Klenk. “Making room and moving over: knowledge co-production, Indigenous knowledge sovereignty and the politics of global environmental change decision-making.” Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 42 (2020): 7-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2019.10.010
• Nakashima, Douglas, and Igor Krupnik, eds. Indigenous knowledge for climate change assessment and adaptation. Vol. 2. Cambridge University Press, 2018.
• Philip J. Deloria, K. Tsianina Lomawaima, Bryan McKinley Jones Brayboy, Mark N. Trahant, Loren Ghiglione, Douglas Medin, Ned Blackhawk; Unfolding Futures: Indigenous Ways of Knowing for the Twenty-First Century. Daedalus 2018; 147 (2): 6–16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1162/DAED_a_00485
• Williams, Terry, and Preston Hardison. “Culture, law, risk and governance: contexts of traditional knowledge in climate change adaptation.” In Climate change and indigenous peoples in the United States, pp. 23-36. Springer, Cham, 2013. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-05266-3_3
On Tribal Policy, Rights, and Sovereignty
• Abate, Randall, and Elizabeth Ann Kronk, eds. Climate change and indigenous peoples: The search for legal remedies. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013.
• Deaton, Jeremy. “Why Protecting Tribal Rights Is Key to Fighting Climate Change.” Yale E360. Yale School of the Environment, October 21, 2021. https://e360.yale.edu/features/why-protecting-tribal-rights-is-key-to-fighting-climate-change?s=09.
• Evans, Laura E., Nives Dolšak, Megan T. Plog, and Aseem Prakash. “Native American tribal governments, cross-sectoral climate policy, and the role of intertribal networks.” Climatic Change 160, no. 1 (2020): 35-43. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-019-02641-0
• Ford, Jamie Kay, and Erick Giles. “Climate change adaptation in Indian Country: Tribal regulation of reservation lands and natural resources.” Wm. Mitchell L. Rev. 41 (2015): 519.
• Mantyka-Pringle, C., Westman, C., Kythreotis, A. et al. Honouring indigenous treaty rights for climate justice. Nature Clim Change 5, 798–801 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate2714
• Smith, Anna V. “How Do Tribal Nations’ Treaties Figure into Climate Change?” High Country News – Know the West, May 14, 2019. https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-how-do-tribal-nations-treaties-figure-into-climate-change
• Warner, Elizabeth Ann Kronk. “Everything Old Is New Again: Enforcing Tribal Treaty Provisions to Protect Climate Change-Threatened Resources.” Neb. L. Rev. 94 (2015): 916.
