The Tribal Climate Perspective: Two Case Studies of Tribal Climate Change Adaptation Plans
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Date
2022-06
Authors
Torres, Xitlali
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Climate change is taking affect all over the world, and Indigenous communities are not only on the frontlines of its impacts, but they are also at the frontlines of creating change and acting to adapt to it. History, culture, Traditional Ecological Knowledges, and more gives Indigenous communities a unique perspective to approach climate adaptation planning work. There is a growing network of professionals, scientists, planners, academics, tribal and non-tribal people working together to establish climate change planning in Tribal communities around the world and across the United States. With this as a backdrop, this Thesis looks closely at two specific Tribal communities and their climate adaptation plan strategies and documents, the Karuk Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to answer the question; What lessons can be learned from Tribal climate adaptation planning in the context of their unique communities, culture, and history? It explores three main topics as indicators of uniqueness: Cultural Aspects, Tribal Rights and Sovereignty, and Community Engagement. The findings have many lessons for both Tribal and non-Tribal entities for their own climate planning initiatives such as valuing the knowledge that community can bring, maintaining partnerships with multiple entities, building capacity and celebrating existing actions, and leading with cultural considerations.
Description
162 pages