Sierra Institute for Community and Environment reports that it recently hosted a two-day leadership gathering for tribes and partners involved in workforce development and land stewardship through the High Road Training Partnership in Tribal Forest Restoration and Stewardship. “Sierra Institute was honored to learn and participate with the many powerful partners who joined us and are leading the way in stewarding their lands and communities,” said organizers.
The two-day event included panels, networking and breakout sessions. The gathering started with a morning focused on practical challenges and opportunities in developing a tribal stewardship crew, with panelists sharing stories from developing their crews and the successes and challenges experienced along the way.
Day 1 included deep dives into fundamental issues for running tribal crews, including project development, administration and insurance, developing a fire crew, and the step-by-step guide to crew development. The afternoon covered biomass utilization and regenerative economy opportunities, consultation and nation-to-nation relations, and the healing elements of stewarding land including personal stories of healing through tending land.
Day 2 focused on cultural fire, the benefits of fire and relevant policies and practices surrounding using fire on the landscape more often. Day 2 also included stories and strategies from successful land back efforts. Tribal leaders shared stories of reclaiming and managing ancestral lands, offering strategies for future efforts.
The gathering closed with a giveaway of items from Indigenous artists and reflections on the next steps for strengthening partnerships and maintaining momentum for tribal land restoration and stewardship.
Since 2021, 586 individuals have participated in the High Road Training Partnership from over 25 unique tribes, reports Sierra Institute. In the past year alone, 280 individuals have participated in the partnership.
Information provided by Sierra Institute for Community and Environment