Overview
The 2024 National Tribal Leaders Climate Summit will convene leaders from Tribes and First Nations to advance tribal climate change policy and action.
When: April 15-17, 2024
What: The Summit will engage Tribal leaders, citizens, staff, youth and collaborators in conversation about navigating the cultural, economic, and social challenges of climate change. This year’s theme, “Honoring Traditions, Shaping Futures”, reflects our commitment to preserving cultural heritage and forging a sustainable future for future generations. Our panel topics include:
- Empowering Young Tribal Leaders in Climate Action – Hear from young Tribal leaders actively involved in climate initiatives as they share reflections and expectations for climate action. Gain insights from their unique perspectives rooted in cultural and environmental heritage. Explore challenges and opportunities in nurturing young leaders, weaving Traditional Ecological Knowledge with modern approaches to environmental stewardship. Discuss strategies to further climate education and discover collaborative efforts between generations, emphasizing mentorship and support for Indigenous youth in climate initiatives.
- Nurturing Well-being in Tribal Communities Across Borders – Explore the nexus of cultural revitalization and well-being. Presenters will engage in discussions on ceremonial spaces, sacred sites, and traditional crafts, celebrating the resilience of tribal heritage. The group will share the importance of traditional foods and food sovereignty, recognizing their cultural significance. Learn about what Indigenous-led communities and organizations are doing to adapt their services to climate change and improve wellbeing. Navigate the universal experience of grief within Tribal contexts.
- Sovereignty, Stewardship, and Global Perspectives – This session will explore strategies for asserting tribal sovereignty through discussions on “Land and Water Back,” tribally-led management, and stewardship. Speakers will delve into protecting and preserving Indigenous Knowledges and data sovereignty, including from the international perspective. The panel will also address the crucial aspect of funding access to support tribal initiatives pursuing environmental stewardship.
- Closing Panel Reflections and Discussion – This closing session is a policy exploration of climate action, weaving together the voices of Tribal youth, Elders, environmental advocates, and legal experts, fostering a holistic understanding of challenges and opportunities in Indigenous-led initiatives.
Who: Audience includes:
- Tribal leaders, and interested citizens including Elders and youth;
- Tribal and non-tribal organization staff; and
- Tribal collaborators (including advocacy groups, academics, or governmental staff).
Summit Partners include Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, BIA Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience, First Nations Development Institute, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, Mankowski Environmental, LLC, North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, Oregon State University, South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, University of Oregon, Upper Willamette Stewardship Network, and WoLakota Lab, LLC.
Planning Team:
- Amelia Cook, SC Climate Adaptation Science Center
- Amelia Marchand, Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians / NW Climate Adaptation Science Center
- Chas Jones, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians
- Coral Avery, BIA Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience
- James Rattling Leaf, WoLakota Lab, LLC / NC Climate Adaptation Science Center
- Jen Santry, Trust for Public Lands
- John Mankowski, Mankowski Environmental, LLC
- Kathy Lynn, Tribal Climate Change Network, University of Oregon
- Kieren Daley Laursen, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians
- Kylie Avery, Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians / NW Climate Adaptation Science Center
- Luhui Whitebear, Oregon State University
- Nikki Cooley, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
- Patrick Freeland, Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians / NW Climate Adaptation Science Center
To inquire about being a speaker or presenter, the agenda, youth participation, exhibits, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Chas Jones, ATNI Climate Change Program Director at cjones@atnitribes.org.
Summit Partners & Sponsors
