Native Case Studies

This case illustrates how resilience can emerge from the interaction between different knowledge systems that make ecosystems and communities more resilient while facing the negative effects of climate change.  Long-term cultural knowledge about adaptation and restoration is often missing from agency viewpoints that would lead to a protective shield of resilience for both environments and cultures. A fictional character, Veronica Stevens, a Native scientist who serves in dual capacities as a researcher with forestry experience and as a tribal relationship professional, narrates the case.  She faces the challenge of opening up the communication channels for Indigenous knowledge to become a major component of agency planning and practice through the development of a framework that incorporates some of the knowledge and experience of the Crow Nation whose historic lands form the template for understanding ecological practices and principles.  Part I chronicles the challenges an indigenous researcher faces when trying to communicate indigenous knowledge research into the understanding of government policy and land management. Part 2 illustrates how the interaction between different knowledge systems can make ecosystems and communities more resilient while facing the negative effects of climate change. In the Northern Great Plains, long-term cultural knowledge about adaptation and restoration is missing from agency viewpoints. Opening up communication channels takes place through a framework that incorporates some of the Indigenous knowledge and experience of the Crow Nation whose historic lands and waters form the template for new understandings of ecological practices and principles