Native People and Plants Have a Lot to Contribute as We Adapt to Climate Change

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s latest report noted for the first time in its 34-year history that historic colonialism and governance models have contributed to unsustainable ocean and land use, inequity, and marginalization of vulnerable communities such as Indigenous peoples. The report also said the “recognition of inherent rights of Indigenous peoples” and including Indigenous peoples and other local communities would be integral to successful adaptation in forested areas and other parts of the world. —Debra Utacia, Arizona Republic

TEK ON WILDFIRE

As mainstream restoration and climate adaptation efforts begin to utilize traditional knowledges, a local organization is creating opportunities for Indigenous peoples to receive the training and certifications necessary to not only participate in these efforts, but to also lead them. “We have been resilient through a long line of colonization, but we have also lost a lot of knowledge about our lifeways,” explains Will Madrigal Jr., who is Cahuilla and Luiseño and is part of the team leading the Stewardship Pathways program at the Climate Science Alliance. To remedy this loss, the program hopes to train a network to lead equitable and inclusive restoration efforts as part of a larger goal to revitalize Indigenous stewardship, starting with a cohort of trainees this spring.

Training has already begun to establish an Indigenous crew certified in wildland firefighting and trained in cultural stewardship and climate science. Additional trainees will soon convene for a five-month course on native plant propagation that weaves together technical skills with traditional knowledge and climate science.

Nearby places to learn about native plants and Indigenous traditions

• Iipay ~ Tipai Kumeyaay Mut Niihepok Land of the First People Area

• Kumeyaay Garden - University of San Diego

• San Diego Botanic Garden

• Indian Rock Garden