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Transitioning impactful program to a “by Tribes for Tribes” mode
September 30, 2022

Since its formation in 2009, facilitator Kathy Lynn has supported the University of Oregon Tribal Climate Change Project (TCCP) to engage in research and resource development, ensuring that Tribes have a voice in developing climate change programs and policies regionally and nationally. TCCP has facilitated a Network (TCCN) of over 600 Tribal leaders, staff from Tribes and intertribal organizations, and non-Tribal partners through monthly virtual meetings and weekly email bulletins. The TCCP team is proud of its role in driving the high rates of success and numbers of climate resilience implementation projects by Pacific Northwest Tribes relative to Tribes in other regions.

With CO2F financial support, TCCP will be transitioned to a new home within the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) Climate Resilience Program. ATNI was formed in 1953 by farsighted Tribal leaders in the Northwest who dedicated it to Tribal sovereignty and self-determination; included in its founding principles is “providing a forum for the exchange of information to its member Tribes.” ATNI advocates for its 57 member Tribes through its conferences, forums, networks and alliances; providing technical assistance, education, and training; establishing networks and strategic alliances; and providing public relations and education programs.

ATNI’s Climate Resilience Program, led by Chas Jones, seeks to improve Tribes’ awareness of and preparedness for climate impacts. This program shares knowledge about the impacts of climate change and facilitates Tribal climate resilience through capacity building, access to climate change grants, and development of resources to assist Tribes in preparing for and implementing actions to combat climate change.

This move of the TCCP under ATNI’s organizational umbrella will support the following objectives:

  • Increase Tribal capacity to improve resilience to the impacts of climate change;
  • Demonstrate research and increased awareness of strategies for Tribal co-management and opportunities for climate change mitigation and carbon sequestration on Tribal lands;
  • Broaden the awareness that Tribes tend to be more nimble than other governments in addressing the impacts of climate change; and
  • Empower Tribes to continue to lead in the climate change movement.

We believe that empowering Tribes to leverage the power of effective networks will both reduce the risk of extreme weather impacts and increase the number of carbon sequestration and mitigation projects on Tribal lands. Ultimately, bringing together TCCP and ATNI will enhance Northwest Tribes’ capacity to address climate change through Tribally-led initiatives, catalyzing Tribal climate resilience strategies and Tribal leadership in the climate change space.