Adapting

By monitoring our progress, these tribes are aware that their actions are yielding meaningful adaptation and enhanced community resilience, thereby safeguarding tribal health.

Chickasaw Nation: The Tribe is addressing climate change through various initiatives focused on water resources, sustainable agriculture, and community resilience. They are collaborating with partners such as the USEPA and the University of Oklahoma to research climate impacts and develop adaptation strategies. (as of 2023)

Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel: The Tribe is addressing the impacts of climate change on their community and tribal lands. They have developed a Priority Climate Action Plan, and have started a Vulnerability Assessment and a Water Management Plan. They are working on tribal wildfire resilience, forest management, Community emergency preparedness, and addressing power outages. (as of 2025)
Environmental Department

Jamul Indian Village of California: The Tribe completed its Reservation-wide Climate Vulnerability Assessment Plan and Climate Adaptation Plan. (as of 2025)

Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians: The Tribe is actively engaged in a variety of climate change actions, primarily through its Natural Resources Department, which integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with modern environmental science to promote climate resilience. (as of 2025)

Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians: The Tribe is addressing climate change primarily through expanding carbon farming practices at Pauma Tribal Farms, including soil-building techniques, cover cropping, and converting row crops to trees. They are also focused on climate education for youth and implementing waste management and recycling programs. To support these efforts, they participate in regional initiatives and have worked with partners to develop and implement climate action plans, like the one for the Carbon Sink Demonstration Farm. (as of 2025)

Puyallup Tribe: The Tribe has completed a Climate Change Impact Assessment and Adaptations report. They work to address the impacts of climate change on salmon, water resources, flooding and landslides, sea level rise, and to promote resilience and sustainability. (as of 2024)

Quileute Tribe: The Tribe has applied jointly and separately for grants to fund studies of natural resources (fish, game, plants, and water) and of the risks to shorelines and structures from more severe weather.
Tribal Reports. (as of 2023)

Redwood Valley Rancheria: The Tribe is developing a Climate Change Adaptation Plan, implementing fuel reduction projects, monitoring water quality, and plans to build water infrastructure to protect against drought. They are also working to increase the availability of Native foods to promote health and cultural revitalization. (as of 2024)

Walker River Paiute Tribe: The Tribe completed a Climate Adaptation Plan in 2018.  Tribal projects completed include five solar water wells on rangeland for cattle and wildlife. The Tribe is working on a Water Looping Project, which will increase drinking water capacity for the reservation.  The water looping project will also increase water pressure and will install 20 additional fire hydrants.  The Tribe is currently working on data collection for drought planning.  (as of 2024) paiutewater.us

White Mountain Apache Tribe: The Tribe is working to combat the effects of climate change. They are implementing strategies like improved water metering, forest carbon projects, and exploring cloud seeding to address drought and water scarcity. The tribe is also actively involved in initiatives to enhance climate resilience through various projects, including renewable energy and Brownfields redevelopment. (as of 2023)

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation: The Tribe is committed to environmental stewardship and has been involved in land management. Their actions include engaging with partners like the US Forest Service regarding land exchanges, which can help with climate adaptation. The nation also supports broader community well-being, including initiatives related to infrastructure and civil services, which are crucial for building resilience. (as of 2025)

Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council: The Indigenous Tribes/First Nations from the headwaters to the mouth of the Yukon River, initiate and continue the clean up and preservation of the Yukon River for the protection of our own and future generations of our Tribes/First Nations and for the continuation of our traditional Native way of life. (as of 2023)
Reports and findings

Doing

These tribes are taking action to implement climate and health adaptation strategies.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes: The Tribes are actively addressing the impacts of climate change on their traditional lands and communities. They have developed a Climate Change Strategic Plan and Vulnerability Assessment.  They work with Elders to ensure their knowledge informs adaptation planning. (as of 2024)

Coeur d’Alene Tribe: The Tribe is actively addressing climate change through a multi-faceted approach that combines traditional ecological knowledge with other scientific methods. They are working to restore ecosystems, enhance food and water security, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (as of 2023)

Cold Springs Rancheria of Mono Indians: The Tribe is experiencing the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, drought, and increased wildfire risk, which threaten their physical and cultural well-being. The tribe is actively working to understand, adapt to, and mitigate these effects. (as of 2025)

Esselen Tribe of Monterey County: The Tribe is reclaiming ancestral lands, implementing traditional ecological knowledge like cultural burns to improve forest health and wildfire resilience, and collaborating with partners on restoration projects. They are also undertaking a long-term project at their Eagle Peak Rancheria to address threats like wildfires, erosion, and habitat loss. (as of 2025)

Fort Belknap Indian Community: The Tribe is actively addressing climate change through a comprehensive adaptation plan that focuses on restoring forest ecosystems, enhancing wildlife habitat, and preserving traditional ways of life. The community is taking a leading role in climate resilience, working with partners like the Center for Large Landscape Conservation and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. (as of 2023)
Buffalo, Water, and Climate: How Fort Belknap Faces the Climate Crisis Through Indigenous Stewardship – Protect Our Winters
Tribes Take the Lead in Climate Change Planning – Center for Large Landscape Conservation
Fort Belknap Indian Community Climate Change Adaptation Plan

La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians: The Tribe is addressing climate change through initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy independence, and adapt to its impacts. These efforts include developing climate action plans, installing renewable energy systems, and implementing climate adaptation strategies. (as of 2025)

La Posta Band of Mission Indians: The Tribe is actively working on climate action plans, including monitoring air quality and developing strategies to mitigate climate pollution. (as of 2025)

Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians: The Tribe is actively working on climate change adaptation and resilience, focusing on nature-based solutions and traditional knowledge to address drought, flooding, and erosion. They are incorporating practices like reforestation, creating natural water barriers, and reintroducing native plants to stabilize the soil and reduce erosion. The tribe is also developing a Climate Adaptation Plan that considers fire-related risks and aims to expand their community housing sustainably. (as of 2025)

Osage Tribe: The Tribe is actively addressing climate change through initiatives such as grassland restoration, orphaned oil and gas well remediation, and renewable energy exploration. Their efforts are focused on mitigating the impacts of climate change on their lands, resources, and communities. (as of 2024)

Pueblo of Laguna: The Pueblo is addressing the impacts of climate change, particularly drought and water scarcity, which are deeply intertwined with their cultural identity and agricultural practices. They are working to enhance community resilience through adaptation planning, energy projects, and environmental stewardship. (as of 2023)

San Pasqual Tribe: The Tribe is actively addressing climate change through various initiatives focused on energy sovereignty, sustainability, and community resilience. These efforts include transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing climate resilience. (as of 2025)

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians: The Tribe is developing a Climate Change Adaptation Plan to assess vulnerabilities, update their vulnerability assessment with new data, and implement strategies to protect their resources. (as of 2025)

Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians: The Tribe is taking climate action through projects like a new long-duration energy storage system to provide renewable backup power and enhance grid reliability. This initiative is a significant part of a larger Tribal long-duration energy storage project, and the tribe is also involved in broader climate collaboration efforts within California through organizations like the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association (SCTCA). (as of 2025)

Winnemem Wintu Tribe: The Tribe’s climate change actions include the Run4Salmon initiative to raise awareness and fight for salmon, the reintroduction of winter-run Chinook salmon to the McCloud River, and the use of traditional ecological knowledge in co-stewardship agreements with state and federal agencies. They are also using their new nonprofit, Sawalmem, to establish sustainable housing and land restoration projects, including the use of control burns and native plants. (as of 2025)

Planning 

These tribes have identified priority adaptation strategies to address key vulnerabilities.

Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde: The Tribes are addressing climate change through initiatives such as developing climate-resilient housing, creating a Climate Change Assessment framework, and participating in forest restoration projects. They are also working to reduce toxic pollution in the Willamette River Basin and improve water quality. (as of 2024)

Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria: The Tribe is actively engaged in addressing climate change impacts on their lands and culture. They are focused on environmental stewardship, restoration, and management of natural resources, including partnering with organizations like Save the Redwoods League to protect vital redwood forests. The Tribe also emphasizes the importance of traditional knowledge in their climate change initiatives and is involved in co-stewardship agreements for public lands. (as of 2024)

Qutekcak Native Tribe: The Tribe is collaborating with other tribes in the Chugach region to address climate change, with a particular focus on restoring fish habitats and fostering partnerships with federal agencies. The tribe is also planning a youth climate camp in Alaska, with support from other tribes, to educate and empower the next generation to tackle climate challenges. (as of 2024)

Rosebud Sioux Tribe: The Tribe has conducted planning and received grant funding for a climate center. (as of 2024)

Trinidad Rancheria: The Tribe’s environmental programs, including their work on climate change adaptation, focus on improving water quality, managing pollution, and protecting coastal areas like Trinidad Bay. They address climate change through a variety of initiatives, such as water quality protection, nonpoint source pollution control, invasive plant management, and pollution prevention, which help build resilience to environmental change. The Rancheria’s climate adaptation work is integrated into its broader environmental efforts. (as of 2025)

Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians: The Tribe is actively addressing climate change impacts, particularly related to air quality and water resources, through various initiatives. (as of 2024) 

ytt Northern Chumash Tribe: The Tribe is addressing climate change through cultural burns, restoring coastal ecosystems, advocating for ancestral land return, and participating in environmental review processes. Their climate actions include implementing Tribal Nature-Based Solution projects for coastal restoration, conducting cultural burns (known as “tinɨtʸu”) to foster forest health and resilience. (as of 2025)

Knowing

These tribes have gathered traditional knowledge and other information to assess our climate and health vulnerability.

Cahuilla Band of Indians: The Tribe is engaging in climate change activities, including developing climate action plans, focusing on wildfire resilience, and pursuing renewable energy projects. They are also working on education and adaptation strategies to address the impacts of climate change, such as water scarcity and extreme heat. (as of 2025)

Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California: The Tribe is addressing climate change through various initiatives and collaborations, including sustainable forest management, wetland protection, and community and partnership-building to build resilience. (as of 2024)

Choctaw Nation: The Tribe is addressing climate change through various initiatives, including the development of a Priority Climate Action Plan. (as of 2024)

Hopland Band of Pomo Indians: The Tribe is actively developing adaptation and resilience strategies to mitigate these effects and protect its community and traditional lands. (as of 2023)

Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas: The Tribe is actively addressing climate change impacts on its reservation through initiatives such as climate resilience planning and water quality projects. They are working to understand how climate change —particularly rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns —will affect their community and natural resources. (as of 2023)
Kickapoo Environmental Office

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe: The Tribe is actively addressing climate change impacts, particularly on their traditional lands and resources, with a focus on wild rice (manoomin), water quality, and clean energy initiatives.
Environmental Department (as of 2023)

Navajo Nation: The Nation is currently working to adapt to the impacts of climate change on its people, traditions, culture, ecosystem, livestock, and wildlife. (as of 2024)

Salamatof Tribe: The Tribe is developing a Climate Adaptation Plan and is part of a broad effort by Alaskan Natives to assess and address the impacts of climate change. (as of 2024)

Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians: The Tribe is participating in regional collaborative efforts and developing climate adaptation plans. They are working to protect their resources and cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, drought, and wildfires. (as of 2025)
SRBCI Environmental Department
Tribal Energy and Climate Collaborative

Sicangu Lakota: The Tribe is addressing climate change by developing a comprehensive Climate Adaptation Plan that incorporates traditional knowledge and scientific data. This plan focuses on protecting their community, water resources, and land, while also establishing a Sicangu Climate Center to manage knowledge and support their efforts. (as of 2024)

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community: The Tribe has taken a proactive stance in addressing the impacts of climate change, demonstrating leadership in adaptation and resilience efforts. They recognize climate change as a significant threat to their people, waters, natural and cultural resources, and their traditional way of life. (as of 2024)

Tolowa Dee-Ni’ Nation: The Nation emphasizes the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with Western science to understand and address the impacts of climate change. This approach fosters a holistic understanding of environmental changes and supports culturally appropriate adaptation strategies. The Nation is developing a wildfire Protection Plan, implementing projects to address sea level rise and coastal erosion, protect marine resources, and increase renewable energy. (as of 2023)

Exploring

These tribes have begun considering the health and other impacts of climate change.

Campo Band of Mission Indians: The Tribe addresses climate change through renewable energy development, like wind farms, and through its Campo Climate Adaptation Action Plan. The tribe is developing a plan to adapt to climate impacts, including rising temperatures, wildfires, and drought. Their climate efforts also involve working with other tribes and partners through initiatives like the Tribal Energy and Climate Collaborative. (as of 2025)

Forest County Potawatomi Community: The Tribe is implementing a long-term energy goal of utilizing renewable, carbon-free, or carbon-neutral energy sources. This includes installing solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems on tribal homes and community buildings to reduce energy costs and decrease dependence on external power sources. (as of 2024) 

Gila River Indian Community: The Tribe is developing a comprehensive plan to address vulnerabilities and challenges associated with climate change, using climate projections, data collection, and traditional knowledge. (as of 2023)

Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California: The Tribe is addressing the impacts of climate change on their community, with a focus on energy infrastructure and resilience. (as of 2023)

Native Village of Brevig Mission: The Village is involved in projects to protect fish and wildlife resources and their habitats from climate change impacts and potential mining activities. Students in Brevig Mission are engaged in studying local environmental changes and advocating for improved preparedness. (as of 2023)

North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California: The Tribe has authored an “Impacts of Climate Change” report and continues to work to understand, adapt to, and mitigate the effects of climate change by implementing cultural burning, developing a Tribal Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, conducting research, and learning. (as of 2024)

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe: The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe was awarded the CPRG (Climate Pollution Reduction Grant) through the EPA. The Tribe has begun the planning process and is identifying ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Akwesasne, NY (Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation). (as of 2024)

Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians: The Tribe is addressing climate change through initiatives, including building a recycling center, participating in government-to-government collaborations, and contributing to state-wide climate change strategies. They are focused on incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into resource management and advocating for tribal water rights. (as of 2024)