Indigenous Partnerships

Sunriver, OR. Lomakatsi Inter-Tribal Summit Planning Team
Photo Credit: Ammon Cluff, Taylor Marie, and Lomakatsi Restoration Project

Lomakatsi Inter-Tribal Summit Planning Team

We aim to build meaningful relationships with Native Nations and Indigenous communities across the regions where we work, supporting the restoration of ceded and unceded Indigenous lands.

Promoting Co-Stewardship

Blue Forest recognizes that Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), including cultural fire, is essential for forest resilience. Our Indigenous Partnerships Managers work with our Indigenous Science Advisor and partners to learn about TEK and support TEK-centered projects.

We collaborate with non-Native partners to expand partnerships with Native Nations and organizations, ensuring respect for Tribal sovereignty and self-determination by considering these factors in project development:

  • Partners demonstrate respect for Tribal sovereignty and self-determination
  • Partners are open to consulting and/or engaging with Native Nations and organizations on projects impacting public lands

Unlocking Funding

We partner with Native Nations, organizations, forestry crews, and cultural practitioners by offering support with:

  • Funding and financing exploration
  • Establishing connections with philanthropy
  • Grant writing
  • Letters of support
  • Partnership building and communications
  • Science and research collaboration

This technical assistance has helped partners secure millions in state and private funding.

If interested in learning more about how we partner with Native Nations and organizations, reach out to Indigenouspartnership@blueforest.org.

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