In this week’s update on our work with Tribes on wildfire, climate, and forestry, we share some of our Tribal Liaison’s recent engagement work.
A major aspect of our Tribal Liaison’s role is to build genuine, long-term relationships with Indigenous students, professionals, organizations, and Nations. This has led them to travel to many conferences, workshops, federal agency offices and high schools. They have made connections in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. And you can catch them at the upcoming Intertribal Timber Council Conference this week in North Carolina!
This is one of the favorite aspects of Callum’s job, and they have a long list of stories to share of their interactions with Indigenous Peoples:
Pala Tribal Climate and Health
In November 2023, our Tribal Liaison joined over 40 attendees in Pala, CA for the Tribal Climate and Health Adaptation Summit. Through interactive learning and conversations, they met individuals from Fort Belknap Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes, Tohono O’odham Nation, and many other Nations. During the closing, each attendee received a certificate based on their support for Indigenous communities. Our Tribal Liaison was thanked for their “ongoing leadership and efforts in supporting Tribal climate and health adaptation.”
AFE
The 10th International Fire Ecology and Management Congress hosted over 40 sessions dedicated to Indigenous fire and cultural resources protection. Through our exhibition table and one on one conversations, our Tribal Liaison began building relationships with Indigenous Peoples of California. Many participants were excited to hear about our fully online Fire and Forest Management Professional Certificate that would allow Tribal members to advance their education and open more career opportunities without leaving home. Numerous Indigenous individuals voiced that they wish there was an AZWI equivalent in California. Repeated visits to the Indigenous market in the foyer allowed our Tribal Liaison to learn about basketry, local cultural foods or flora as well as meet Indigenous serving entities such as Kanyon Konsulting and Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps.
Sherman Indian School
Callum met with twelve juniors and seniors who are in a fire science class that trains them to become wildland fire fighters. Their coursework includes qualification courses like S130 and S190. Students were eager to and proactive in introducing themselves to the presenters. Many students said that their goal for the future is to be able to return to their Tribes and protect and tend to their Tribal lands. We look forward to seeing these students again as future Lumberjacks joining the School of Forestry!