(University of Oregon, 2009-09) MacKendrick, Katharine
The literature indicates that for indigenous peoples the environmental impacts of
climate change and some proposed solutions threaten lifeways, subsistence, economic
ventures, future growth, cultural survivability, rights, land ownership, and access to
resources. However, limited understanding and awareness of the vulnerability and
capacity of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and of climate change impacts at
the local level affect climate policymaking, planning, and equity. Case studies with the
Coquille and Hoopa Valley Indian tribes in the Pacific Northwest U.S. explore the key
considerations in planning for climate change adaptation, particularly for cultural and natural resource resilience. Document analysis and semi-structured interviews offer
insight on the risks the tribes face and the role of traditional and local knowledge and
experience in planning for climate change adaptation. Conclusions offer information
useful in planning for climate impacts, local-level climate adaptation research, and
climate policy development at the local to global levels.
