Sovereignty, Stewardship, and Resilience: Summary Report

Strategies for land stewardship, finance, policy, and economic development should be Tribally led and grounded in cultural values and community priorities. Participants challenged conventional definitions of conservation and emphasized the importance of Tribal authority, Indigenous knowledge, and self-determination. As one participant noted, “because of their sovereignty, Tribes can do way more on public lands and their own lands than NGOs and private individuals can do.” Realizing this potential requires Tribes to “flex the sovereign muscle” by building the capacity to evaluate opportunities, navigate partnerships, negotiate contracts, and make informed decisions that advance their priorities.

Stronger networks and information sharing can amplify Tribal priorities, reduce reliance on outside organizations, and advance shared goals. Participants noted that organizations often work in silos, with one reflecting that “even the organizations we come from have sliced up the territory.” Without greater collaboration, another participant worried, Indian Country may struggle to present “a united front” to advance its priorities. Participants saw an opportunity to connect organizations, networks, and expertise to coordinate efforts and share funding, technical capacity, and resources. They also emphasized mentorship, succession planning, and youth leadership to strengthen these connections and sustain Tribal leadership across generations.

Participants explored how Tribes can use shifts in federal funding, structure or lack thereof, and under-leveraged laws to advance Tribal-led initiatives. One participant described how a system that had long prevented Tribes from making progress had begun to break down, while another saw the potential for “deregulation to open it up for Tribes to be more innovative.” As federal agencies reduce their presence on some public lands, Tribes may have opportunities to step into management roles and demonstrate the effectiveness of Tribal-led stewardship. However, participants also cautioned against assuming these changes would produce lasting progress, noting that the system has historically failed to serve Tribal interests and that Tribes will continue to face a “struggle with whoever is in office.”

Participants emphasized drawing strength from relationships, community, and ancestral teachings to navigate political and ecological uncertainty and address climate disruption. One participant reflected on “having grown up in Native communities, [and being taught] to not let that fear seep into you.” Several participants expressed that their ancestors had prepared them for this moment, encouraging others to approach this changing time with courage and optimism. One recognized the current moment  as “a really special time period.” Another reflected that “prophetically we’re in a day of reckoning,” where Tribal teachings can become solutions to today’s challenges. Together, these perspectives highlighted how cultural knowledge, intergenerational wisdom, and strong relationships can serve as a source of strength, hope, and strategic thinking to use this time as an opportunity for leadership and action.

Participants emphasized the need for philanthropy to recognize Tribal sovereignty, and invest directly in Tribal-led priorities. Funders often support NGOs to carry out work that Tribes are already leading, sometimes leaving Tribes with limited funding despite carrying much of the responsibility. Participants urged funders to recognize Tribal stewardship as conservation, even when it does not fit conventional frameworks and to better understand the unique authorities Tribes can exercise over their lands and public lands. As one participant explained, “You know one Tribe, you know one Tribe”—underscoring that each Tribe has distinct capabilities, priorities, needs, and solutions. Participants called for more flexible, sustained support that spans general operations, financing, technical assistance, and disaster resilience. Supporting Tribal visions and strategies directly is essential to strengthening Tribal capacity and advancing resilience across land, water, energy, and food systems.