WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation committed in a newly passed policy resolution to enacting and advancing the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in conservation initiatives with Indigenous partners. 

The resolution was one of several adopted by the National Wildlife Federation and its 52 state and territorial affiliates at its 88th Annual Meeting in the nation’s capital. Additional resolutions called for additional protections for endangered species, sharks, and old growth forests

“This resolution is an impactful statement that the Federation is fully stepping into its role as an ally and partner for Tribes. This is not just a box to check, but a callout to other entities across the nation that the process of working with Tribes needs to be deliberate, open, and transparent,” said Jon Naranjo, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent manager with the National Wildlife Federation. “It offers a seat at the table where Indigenous peoples not only have a presence but they’re listened to. This is a moment for us to affirm this while fulfilling obligations and showing up for our Tribal partners.”

"The escalating climate and biodiversity crises make it imperative that we accelerate our efforts to conserve land and water, thereby ensuring that wildlife and people can thrive in a rapidly changing world. Adhering to the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent is a step toward righting the historic wrong that erasure has played in silencing Indigenous peoples,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of National Wildlife Federation. “The conservation community has so much to learn from our Indigenous partners, and we’re committed to a future where their wisdom is not only heard but is also respected and drives decision-making."

The resolution guides the organization in efforts to advocate, foster, protect, and encourage the social, cultural, and traditional well-being of all Tribal Nations in the United States and Indigenous peoples internationally. In addition, it empowers the creation of authentic relationships with Tribes and protections of Tribal ecosystems, landscapes, natural resources, water systems, and cultural and sacred sites on federal lands. 

The National Wildlife Federation’s 52 state and territorial affiliates also adopted several other resolutions calling for:

• Additional support for the conservation of mature and old-growth forests and restoring their distribution and abundance on federal lands.
• Congress and the president to promote shark conservation in U.S. and international waters.
• The elimination of the McKittrick policy, which refers to the U.S. Department of Justice’s policy that requires the government to show a person knowingly killed an endangered species in criminal prosecution cases, hampering prosecutions under the Endangered Species Act.