Restoring Tribal Relations and Forest Knowledge

The ability for Tribal Nations to manage resources and the ability to research forest systems meaningfully is dependent upon a framework containing relevant cultural values and perspectives as they are intertwined with language and cosmology. While forest research is the focal point of this project, facilitating the restoration of inter-tribal exchanges is key. Indigenous youth from the Akwasasne Cultural Community and Maine Indian Tribes will partake in forest pest management research by introducing them to ongoing projects being led by Tribal natural resources professionals, academia, and their Federal and State partners. Participants will be enriched with leadership, mentorship, and experiences in forest research, and will gain experience with forest research challenges affecting culturally significant natural resources and the application of culturally relevant solutions.