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collaborating with native communities
The Colorado Plateau has long been inhabited by Native Peoples who have subsisted off the land. Native American nations comprise about 25 percent of the region's population and manage 30 percent of the land. The Plateau tribes are some of the most culturally distinct in the U.S., and they have worked to preserve their cultures while developing modern communities. The Trust is dedicated to helping Native communities and governments diversify their local economies to lessen dependence on coal mining and coal-fired generating stations.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to mitigate the effects of past environmental degradation on Tribal lands as well as connect with members of local communities where we conduct sustainable, community-driven, economic development work. Our aim is to help create teamwork and progressive change while facilitating cultural exchange.
2008 was the beginning of a robust volunteer program as we established collaborative efforts with the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department. Volunteers worked at the Little Colorado River 2nd Overlook Gorge Tribal Park and projects included restoration, cleanup, plant identification for new signage and other park improvements. Volunteers also completed trail restoration project at Monument Valley Tribal Park. In 2009 volunteers provided a critical workforce for Leupp Family Farm and in 2010 we will continue to assist with this effort to bring youth knowledge about traditional farming. Visit the Trust’s Native America Program webpage for more information about these issues and sign up as a volunteer to make a difference.
