Native nations share knowledge and find support at weeklong tribal climate camp in Washington

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Jeanette Kiokun, the tribal clerk for the Qutekcak Native Tribe in Alaska, doesn’t immediately recognize the shriveled, brown plant she finds on the shore of the Salish Sea or others that were sunburned during the long, hot summer. But a fellow student at a weeklong tribal climate camp does.

Campers walk to the former Elwha Dam site during the 2023 Tribal Climate Camp on the Olympic Peninsula Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, near Port Angeles, Wash. Participants representing at least 28 tribes and intertribal organizations gathered to connect and share knowledge as they work to adapt to climate change that disproportionally affects Indigenous communities. More than 70 tribes have taken part in the camps that have been held across the United States since 2016.
Campers walk to the former Elwha Dam site during the 2023 Tribal Climate Camp on the Olympic Peninsula Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, near Port Angeles, Wash. Participants representing at least 28 tribes and intertribal organizations gathered to connect and share knowledge as they work to adapt to climate change that disproportionally affects Indigenous communities. More than 70 tribes have taken part in the camps that have been held across the United States since 2016.

They are rosehips, traditionally used in teas and baths by the Skokomish Indian Tribe in Washington state and other tribes.

“It’s getting too hot, too quick,” Alisa Smith Woodruff, a member of the Skokomish tribe, said of the sun-damaged plant.

Tribes suffer some of the most severe impacts of climate change in the U.S. but often have the fewest resources to respond, which makes the intensive camps on combatting the impact of climate change a vital training ground and community-building space.

People from at least 28 tribes and intertribal organizations attended this year’s camp in August in Port Angeles, Washington, and more than 70 tribes have taken part in similar camps organized by the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians across the U.S. since 2016.

They heard from tribal leaders and scientists and learned about a clam garden that is combatting ocean acidification. They visited the Elwha River, where salmon runs were recently restored after the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe fought to have two dams torn down. They also learned how to make the most of newly available federal funds to add climate staff, restore habitats and reduce carbon emissions. And they set aside time to focus on cultural practices, such as cedar weaving, to unwind from the harsh realities of climate change."...

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel thank you for sharing.