Tribal Voices in Wildlife Conservation with Julie Thorstenson, Ep. 86

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This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

Julie Thorstenson is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation and the Executive Director of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society. Julie's deep connection to the land began in her youth, growing up on her family’s ranch in South Dakota, where she developed a love for nature that would shape her career. Now, she works tirelessly to ensure that Tribal Nations are included in wildlife conservation efforts and advocates for more equitable funding for tribal fish and wildlife programs.

Highlights:

• How traditional ecological knowledge complements Western science in wildlife management?
• A look at the challenges Tribal Nations face in conservation, particularly around funding inequities.
• What is the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and why it is crucial for tribes, the environment, and biodiversity?

What You Can Do to Help:

• Sign petitions supporting the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) to ensure tribes receive equitable funding for conservation efforts.
• Contact your representatives and ask them to support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act to boost conservation funding for Tribal Nations and other local wildlife programs.
• Educate yourself on the diversity of Tribal Nations and their unique roles in conservation. Every tribe is different, and understanding their individual needs is crucial to supporting their efforts.
• Build relationships: Don’t assume the answers; instead, ask questions and listen to understand the barriers tribes face in accessing resources for conservation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Native American Fish and Wildlife Society: An organization providing technical assistance and policy support to Tribal Nations engaged in fish and wildlife conservation. 
• Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA): A bipartisan bill that aims to allocate $1.4 billion to states and tribes for wildlife conservation.
• America the Beautiful Challenge Grants: Collaborative grants supporting conservation projects that span large landscapes, including Tribal-led initiatives.

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