Tribal & Indigenous-Based Climate Adaptation Priorities in the NE CASC Region

Tribal Nations and Indigenous Communities in the Northeast have witnessed changes in the climate from time immemorial.  However, anthropogenic climate change coupled with the impacts of colonization pose unique challenges for Tribal Nations.  Despite these issues, Tribal Nations are leading the way across the region in climate change adaptation planning.  This webinar will begin by providing background information regarding Tribal Nations in the Northeast, paying particularly close attention to their historical-geographic context. It will then discuss climate change impacts and concerns of Tribal Nations in addition to sharing some examples of Tribal-led climate change adaptation.  The webinar will conclude with comments on respectful engagement with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities in the space of climate change adaptation.  

Casey Thornbrugh serves as a liaison between Tribal Nations, United South and Eastern Tribes Inc. (USET), and the Northeast and Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Centers.  In this role, he works with Tribal Nations to provide them with climate science information, identify their climate research needs and priorities, and offer climate adaptation planning support. Casey is a citizen of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and has an educational background in geography and climate science. Prior to joining USET, Casey worked as the Director of the Natural Resources Department for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.