Montana tribes blend traditional knowledge with climate planning
Tribal leaders in Montana are combining Traditional Ecological Knowledge with climate planning efforts focused on wildfire smoke, drought and ecosystem restoration
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Montana are combining Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Western science in ongoing climate planning efforts, according to NPR. Mike Durglo Jr., the tribes’ climate change coordinator, helped develop one of the first tribal climate action plans more than 15 years ago. The plan includes projects focused on wildfire mitigation, ecosystem restoration, water conservation and renewable energy development on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
According to NPR, the tribes are restoring whitebark pine forests, expanding wildfire smoke monitoring systems and establishing clean air centers for reservation communities. Durglo also worked with other tribal nations, including the Blackfeet Nation, to develop climate planning strategies tailored to local environmental conditions. Tribal leaders said collaboration has become increasingly important as federal funding for some climate-related projects has been reduced.
- 1.Ellis Juhlin. NPR, .
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