The Native American and Indigenous perspective on environmental conservation and sustainability is deeply rooted in a profound connection to the land. It emphasizes stewardship, respect for nature, and sustainable practices, with communities upholding these principles through local projects and initiatives. - BY Betty Armstrong

The majestic words of Native Americans concerning the environment echo through the decades. “I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall its concrete buildings are, but rather how well its people have learned to relate to their environment and fellow man,” said Sun Bear of the Chippewa. “Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will you realize you cannot eat money,” says a Cree Indian Proverb. The Native American and Indigenous perspective on the environment is not just about practical conservation. It is deeply spiritual. The perspective is that nature and humans are intricately and spiritually connected. This belief instills a profound sense of respect and care for the environment, which, in turn, is viewed as a form of self-care.

Environmental Sustainability and Cultural Preservation are the Same

Native Americans and the Indigenous have always strived to conserve and sustain the environment in accordance with their deep reverence for nature and its spiritual connections. Protecting and honoring all things in nature is central to their cultural and religious practices, and they are thankful for the gifts nature delivers. This reciprocal relationship with nature is the foundation of the initiatives and projects to conserve, restore, and protect the environment. It is important to understand that Native Americans see the earth as a living element of the soul, not separate nor a stage where life is acted out or a means of survival. It is part of the self. Non-native people may have difficulty fully appreciating this perspective because Western culture perceives nature as something to control, manage, and utilize, even if it causes harm.

Across the U.S., Native American communities are taking the lead in environmental conservation and sustainability for two reasons. One is the cultural belief that nature and humans are one, and thus, they have a responsibility. The other is that climate change threatens their reliance on land and water and their ability to practice cultural traditions. Many initiatives and programs are in progress and demonstrate the respect and appreciation Native Americans and Indigenous have always had for the natural environment. From this perspective, environmental conservation and sustainability efforts also involve cultural preservation and expression, and the approaches are innovative and inspiring.

Partnering Cultural and Scientific Knowledge

For thousands of years, the Indigenous built rock walls at the low tide line to accumulate sand, make the beach slope gentler, and increase the intertidal zone area where clams thrive. Today, the Swinomish Indian Tribe is building a modern clam garden on the West Coast, and marine ecologist Courtney Greiner is collecting the data to identify the best location. The Swinomish are early developers of an action plan to address the changing climate, publishing a plan in 2010. The plan has numerous projects, like protecting salmon runs on the Skagit River and restoring native Olympia oyster populations.

The Rappahannock Tribe members in what is now Virginia were some of the first to encounter Europeans in 1608, which eventually led to forced removals from their land. In 1998, the tribal community members fought for the restoration of sovereign rights, and in 2018, the Rappahannock received federal recognition. In 2022, 465 acres of woodland and rock face on the Rappahannock River and marshlands near Chesapeake Bay, called Fones Cliffs, were returned to the tribe. Within a couple of years, the area has become one of the most important Bald Eagle nesting habitats, mainly because the Rappahannock Tribe members do not disturb them. The return of the land resulted from a partnership with conservation groups like the Chesapeake Conservancy. The Tribe’s future plans include training tribal youth about traditional culture, skills, and ecological practices. The Rappahannock now advises scientists on the best way to restore river herring. The White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe in northwestern Minnesota developed the White Earth Land Recovery Project in 1989 to regain land lost to seizure or improper sales. The White Earth Land Recovery initiative is accomplishing much more today. It is committed to building a sustainable community by restoring the original land base and traditional practices of sound land stewardship, in addition to community development and language fluency. Also included in the mission is strengthening the Band’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The Project reflects the integration of sustainability and culture.

The Penobscot Nation was a partner in Maine's Penobscot River Restoration Project. The project focused on restoring the rivers and fish species harmed by dams. It has removed the Veazie and Great Works dams and built a bypass channel around the Howland Dam on the Piscataquis River, among other accomplishments. There are now 2,000 miles of rivers and streams opened up for sea-run fish like the Atlantic salmon and shad, and the fish recovery has been phenomenal.

Native Americans in Philanthropy and the Center for American Progress (CAP) are partnering to support a conservation agenda driven by Indigenous traditional ecological leadership and generational knowledge of the U.S. landscape. The goal is to conserve and restore 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. “The initiative recognizes that conservation is not only about protecting nature but also about enhancing quality of life. That is why the initiative makes the sovereignty and rights of Tribal nations a core part of its vision,” writes CAP.

Jeremy Takala, Indian name Pax’una’shut, is a Tribal Councilman of the Yakama Nation and is from the Kahmiltpah Band (Rock Creek) of the Columbia River area. He represents the Columbia Basin River Initiative, a 10-year commitment to restore abundant Salmon and native species. The U.S Department of the Interior recently made a historic agreement with the Klamath Tribes, Yurok Tribe, Karuk Tribe and Klamath Water Users Association to restore the Klamath Basin ecosystem and benefit the watersheds, forests, agriculture, fish species, and migratory birds.

Reclaiming Water, Land, and Culture

From local tribal community projects to significant tribal partnerships with environmental sustainability and conservation advocacy organizations and government agencies, Native Americans and Indigenous are reclaiming cultural lands and restoring the ecological balance in a way that also restores culture and community. Indigenous-led conservation initiatives are increasingly recognized for their effectiveness and sustainability. These efforts reflect a growing appreciation for the value of traditional ecological knowledge in addressing contemporary environmental challenges. By incorporating Native American and Indigenous perspectives and practices, these projects achieve environmental benefits and promote cultural resilience and community empowerment.