As top leaders from federally recognized tribes prepare to meet with President Obama and his Administration during the White House Tribal Nations Conference, climate change is among the key issues facing Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives. Ahead of the White House Conference, tribal leaders are sharing perspectives on climate change’s impacts to tribes, climate legislation, tribal efforts to adapt to climate change impacts and how tribes are prepared to provide clean energy solutions.

“The National Wildlife Federation recognizes and respects tribal sovereignty and the role tribes must play, as sovereigns, in solving the climate crisis,” said Larry Schweiger, president & CEO, National Wildlife Federation. “We recognize that protecting our wildlife heritage and wild places is always best achieved when we work together – that’s why we are committed to working with Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives, to protect nature from global warming and ensure that tribal concerns and needs are addressed in climate legislation.”
“Overall, it is the wish of tribal governments, in recognition of our sovereign status, and our nation-to-nation relationship with the federal government, that we become full partners in the clean energy revolution, and in efforts to address the impacts of climate change,” said Jacqueline Johnson-Pata, executive director, National Congress of American Indians. “Renewable energy is one of the most significant economic development opportunities available to tribes during these difficult economic times, particularly tribes in remote areas, many of which have never experienced meaningful economic opportunities. This potential must be tapped.”

“Tribal leaders are poised to have an historic meeting with President Obama this week to address a number of pressing and critical issues facing Indian country and Alaska Native villages,” said Jerry Pardilla, executive director, National Tribal Environmental Council. “One such issue is climate change, largely a manmade result which is having adverse and disproportionate impacts on tribal communities across the nation. As such, it is incumbent upon the Obama Administration and Congress to include Indian tribes and their leaders in the development of policies and strategies to reverse these impacts. Tribes have a lot to offer in the way of ecological knowledge and cultural teaching which can provide insight for a sustainable future, one which should also embrace energy efficiency and renewable energy development. Moving forward, it is my sincere hope that climate change will be a critical issue for which an ongoing dialogue can take place between the nation’s tribes and the Obama Administration.”

“Indigenous Peoples have contributed very little to the global carbon footprint, yet they are suffering disproportionately from the effects of climate change,” said John Echohawk, executive director, Native American Rights Fund. “They must be sovereign partners at all levels in assessing and addressing this important issue.”

National Wildlife Federation is America's conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.

Contact: Aileo Weinmann, communications manager, 202-797-6801, weinmanna@nwf.org