This month, Tribal Nations across the United States are celebrating National Native American Heritage Month, honoring their sovereignty, traditions, languages and stories. We acknowledge and elevate this month, and every month, alongside Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. Indigenous Peoples are the original caretakers of nature—their longstanding relationship with the land has culminated in extensive knowledge and practices, which are vital to successful, reciprocal conservation outcomes. 

In alignment with The Nature Conservancy’s Indigenous Right Relations Program, TNC Washington’s partnerships with Indigenous land-keepers and conservationists have strengthened and expanded. These deepening relationships result in humble learning, collaboration, land restoration, marine research and the rematriation of culturally significant species, such as Buffalo. Our partnerships aim to benefit the original stewards of Washington, whose people and cultures thrive when rooted in healthy landscapes. We are devoted to increasing access to TNC preserves for cultural uses and practices. In some cases, our partnerships reveal opportunities to thoughtfully support transferring lands back to their original stewards. These relationships are not only felt in our hearts; their value is evident in the health of lands, waters and the life they nurture throughout Washington. 

Listening to and working beside Indigenous leaders across the country has revealed the lasting impact of colonization and the subsequent conservation movement, among other harmful systems. These are the foundation on which our institution rests. Yet, through establishing right relations with our partners, guided by the principle to do no harm, we create space and explore powerful means to heal. 

Happy Native American Heritage Month! Check out these examples of work with our Indigenous partners:

Indian Country 101, an online course

Indian Country 101 is a self-paced curriculum that unfolds historical and contemporary impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island (a term used among many Native peoples to describe North America). Today, this online course trains TNC staff across North America, local government officials working with Native Nations and is open to the public for enrollment. Major thanks to the Native-owned consulting firm, The Whitener Group, Jennifer Whitener Ulrich as the voice of Indian Country 101, and Jessie Israel, Director of Puget Sound Conservation at TNC Washington for their 3-year dedication to developing this course. 

Land forward in Okanogan County

In October 2021, upwards of 9 thousand acres of land in Okanogan County was returned to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, its original stewards. Read more.  

Indigenous-Led Conservation in the Emerald Edge

Watch a short film showing our collaborative work with Indigenous partners to protect The Emerald Edge, 100 million acres of coastal temperate rainforest. 

TNC Washington’s Trustees Shape our Work

TNC Washington’s board of trustees includes Indigenous voices that shape our daily work. Learn about their commitment to place, identity, and community in their profiles:  

Glenn Ellis is passionate about protecting treaty rights, specifically those ensured under the Neah Bay Treaty of 1855. He works to balance modern life with Makah traditions, which inform his understanding of the natural world.

Maia Bellon’s transcultural identity and relationships—Apache, Yakima, French-American and Makah—are foundational to her legal practice, which protects a healthy environment for underrepresented communities.

Cody Desautel brings a deep appreciation for natural rhythms as well as experience in forestry for the Confederated Tribes of the Coville Reservation.