NAIC Awarded General Support Grant from the Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples
PRESS RELEASE
June 18, 2024 - Brookings, Oregon - The Northwest American Indian Coalition (NAIC) is proud to announce that we have been selected to receive a General Support grant from the Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples. The Land, Water, and Climate grant will support our project, Ch'ee-taa-ghee-dvn Nee-yuu-hi (Our Forest). This initiative focuses on researching forest resilience and recovery by combining in-depth mapping with oral histories and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Utilizing this new data, we aim to identify critical areas of priority and develop innovative forest programs, including prairie and oak savanna restoration and cultural burning initiatives. These efforts aim to restore forest health, reduce wildfire risks, and strengthen the connection between our people and the land, promoting sustainable stewardship and environmental harmony.
Project Overview:
The Ch'ee-taa-ghee-dvn Nee-yuu-hi (Our Forest) project is founded on essential elements aimed at developing innovative forest programs that enhance community safety, reduce wildfire frequency and intensity, and rebuild forest health while aligning with cultural values for the welfare of future generations. By utilizing oral histories and innovative mapping methods, our primary goal is to generate crucial data and develop innovative forest management programs that ensure the long-term sustainability of our ancestral forest lands.
• Historical Research: We will explore historical forest photos, journal and field notes, oral histories, and other data to reconstruct the ecological history of the local forest. This will provide insights into historical forest management practices and changes over time.
• In-Depth Mapping Programs: We will conduct field research to document old-growth stumps, oak savannas, wildfire risks, food forests, and original prairies in the Kalmiopsis region. This will result in detailed maps that depict the historical and current landscape of our ancestral lands
• Develop Innovative Forest Programs: Using the collected data, we will develop native-led, innovative forest programs and cultural burning initiatives. These programs will honor our traditions, the sacredness of the land, and the well- being of future generations.
“We are honored to partner with the Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples,” said Katrina Thompson-Upton, Founder and Board Chair of NAIC. “This grant will significantly enhance our capacity to collect vital data, identify critical areas, and develop new programs, particularly in the area of wildfires."
As we embark on this important journey, we look forward to collaborating with our partners, community members, and other stakeholders to achieve our goals. Together, we will work towards a future where our forests thrive, and our cultural heritage is preserved and celebrated.
About Northwest American Indian Coalition (NAIC):
The Northwest American Indian Coalition is a native-led nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and sustainability of Indigenous communities. Through various programs and initiatives, NAIC works to preserve cultural heritage, support environmental stewardship, and empower local Indigenous peoples.
About Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples:
The Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Indigenous communities and their initiatives. Through grants, technical assistance, and other resources, the Fund empowers Indigenous peoples to advance their cultural, environmental, and social justice goals.
