"Environmental stewardship means that we carefully consider the consequences of our actions on the world around us.

Environmental stewardship means consideration of our inaction, as well.

Nothing has changed for Indian country. Our relationship to the earth is not just our cultural heritage; it is part of our spirit and our being.

What has changed, however, is the readiness for others to listen and learn. And we can act on this opportunity to engage in a process that had once shut us out.

My tribe, the Nisqually, will host a summit of Washington state tribal leaders in September with state Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. We will talk about the state’s natural resource management and the tribes’ role in it.

Tribal leaders in other regions could take similar steps to build bridges and bring their voices back to the circle. Federal, state and local leaders coast-to-coast are in the mood to hear us, and they are seeking guidance.

We can no longer retreat to our reservations and practice traditions on our own land, while the country around us continues with reckless and misguided management of America’s natural resources."

Get the Story:
Cynthia Iyall: Nisqually take lead in environmental stewardship (Indian Country Today