GLNF-CESU: Engaging Tribal Students in Protected Land Conservation- MWRO

Description

Background and Objectives: This Cooperative Agreement P17AC01153 (Agreement) is entered into by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS), and Regents of the University of Minnesota (UMN) (Recipient). The objective of this Agreement is for the University of Minnesota, National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Forest Service, and others seek to further develop tribal youth summer employment and educational opportunities. NPS is especially interested in further developing tribal engagement, knowledge, and higher education students, in natural resource park management. A multi-agency and faculty group within the University of Minnesota has discussed approaches to further these goals within multiple agencies and across the University. This pilot project would support further development and implementation of those efforts. This project would also contribute to expanding educational interest in tribal relations and better managing protected resources for the cultural benefits. The Department of Forest Resources and Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation in the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences along with the American Indian Studies program in the College of Liberal Arts will collaborate with the National Park Service in developing a pilot program that seeks to engage tribal youth enrolled in higher education studies in natural resource management in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Tribal youth may be enrolled at the University of Minnesota, or tribal community colleges, or local community colleges. A project coordinator (with tribal heritage) will meet regularly with the NPS Great Lakes-Northern Forest CESU Coordinator, as well as travel to tribal reservations, community colleges, park units or work site locations. The coordinator, and others, would work with Tribes to identify natural resource seasonal work for tribal youth, develop projects that are of interest to the Tribes on federal lands, and explore methods to compile Traditional Ecological Knowledge that can be combined with western science to more holistically manage natural resources and restore systems to more functional habitat. The coordinator would also collaborate with Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on their Traditional Ecological Knowledge project that begins in late 2017-early 2018 that is funded with Great Lakes Restoration Initiative program support. Tasks: 1. Develop strategic approach (draft plan) to enhance tribal youth engagement and education in natural resource stewardship and management. 2. Provide real world or hands-on experiences outside the classroom for natural, cultural and or historic projects. 3. Expose tribal youth to NPS opportunities and careers. RECIPIENT AGREES TO: 1. Work with parks (and other federal lands) in Minnesota or Wisconsin to develop or further develop opportunities for tribal youth to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings through internships, field research and service-learning projects. 2. Provide faculty and student engagement in park operations (and other federal lands if possible) throughout Minnesota or Wisconsin. 3. Meet with park staff and American Indian faculty to discuss needs, challenges and successful approaches. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AGREES TO: 1. NPS personnel will meet regularly with faculty to further develop and implement a tribal youth program in Minnesota. 2. Provide training to tribal students. 3. Provide access to facilities and UMN staff including via boats where necessary and available. 4. Assist with any permitting required (TBD). 5. Discuss lessons learned and future needs of natural and cultural resource management priorities on federal and tribal lands utilizing Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

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