"They came from places that were beautiful and lush,” explains Rebecca Jim — a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Tar Creekkeeper, and member of the Climigration Network’s Council and Next Step Cohort — describing the nine Tribal nations forced into Ottawa County in the 1830s and 40s. “They came to a place that, for the most part, was the tall grass prairie with plants they never had encountered."

Local communities and organizations sometimes find themselves wanting to partner with larger organizations or technical experts – but, it can be difficult to navigate the power dynamics and various legal agreements that are involved. This blog serves as a short guide to equitable contracting for smaller grassroots groups, Indigenous communities, institutional actors, academic & technical partners, and larger organizations. 

This blog recaps a series of conversations hosted by the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network and the Climigration Network on wildfire recovery and displacement.

Meghan Sullivan shares reflections and learnings from the webinar "Practices for Effective Engagement and Ethical Use of Information in Assessing Climate Adaptation Barriers and Needs Experienced by Northwest Coastal Tribes," a thought-provoking session that provided deep insights into the care, responsibility, and commitment required when partnering with frontline communities, particularly with Tribal Nations.  

David Southgate explores findings from a recent exploratory research project of the stressors and trauma coping mechanisms of frontline EJ and Climate Change Community leaders. The research is being done in partnership with Camille Hadley of Little Growers, the Climigration Network and our Grassroots Leader Community of Practice, and Buy-In Community Planning, with financial support from the US Department of Health and Human Services. Reposted from the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation.