Climate change is a pressing issue that affects communities worldwide, and coastal tribes in the Pacific Northwest are among those experiencing some of the most severe impacts. From rising seas to severe heat events, these tribes are on the front lines of climate change. However, a recent report released by the Northwest Climate Resilience Collaborative highlights the bureaucratic barriers that these tribes face when trying to access government funds meant to help them adapt to these challenges.
The report found that while these tribes are leaders in combatting climate change in their region, they often struggle to secure funding for specific projects aimed at addressing the repercussions of climate change. For example, relocating a village threatened by rising waters is a critical project for many tribes, but they often cannot provide the matching funds required by many grants or meet the stringent application requirements. Additionally, if they do receive funding, it is often a small amount that can only be used for very specific projects, despite the need for more holistic approaches.
Robert Knapp, environmental planning manager at the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe in northwest Washington, expressed the challenges faced by tribes in piecing together grants with different requirements and limited staff capacity. The collaborative, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, conducted listening sessions with 13 tribes along the Pacific Coast to better understand the challenges they face, including coastal flooding, erosion, rising stream temperatures, declining snowpack, severe heat events, and increasing wildfire risk.
In addition to funding challenges, the report also highlighted the lack of staff capacity within tribes to adequately respond to climate change. Some tribes struggle to partner with state and local governments and universities due to their remote locations, making it difficult to access resources and expertise. Moreover, it can be challenging for tribes to convey the impact of climate change to those who do not live in their communities.
One of the key concerns raised in the report is the funding gaps and complications faced by tribes as they work to restore salmon habitats affected by warming waters or move their homes to safer locations. Some tribes mentioned in the report had to rely on their biology departments to navigate the complex maze of funding applications, while others had to depend on multiple funders to complete essential projects.
Meade Krosby, senior author of the report, emphasized the importance of considering tribal priorities in directing state and federal investments in climate action. She highlighted the need to remove barriers that hinder tribes from accessing funds and carrying out essential climate adaptation projects. The report also pointed out the need for a coordinated federal response to support tribes in addressing the impacts of climate change.
The Quinault Indian Nation in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula serves as an example of a tribe that has developed a detailed plan for relocating its largest village in response to rising waters. However, the tribe has faced challenges in securing funding for this multimillion-dollar effort due to the constraints of federal and state grants. Other tribes raised concerns about competition for funding with other tribal nations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in responding to climate change.
Despite the challenges faced by Pacific Northwest tribes, they continue to be leaders in climate adaptation and have valuable lessons to share with other communities. Amelia Marchand, a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and author of the report, highlighted the resilience and determination of these tribes in overcoming obstacles to protect their nations and communities. She emphasized the need for the federal government to fulfill its trust responsibility to tribes and provide the support needed for their continued existence.
In conclusion, the report sheds light on the significant barriers that coastal tribes in the Pacific Northwest face in accessing government funds for climate adaptation projects. While these tribes are at the forefront of combating climate change, they require more support and resources to address the challenges posed by rising seas, severe heat events, and other impacts of climate change. By recognizing and addressing these barriers, we can ensure that tribal communities are better equipped to adapt and thrive in the face of a changing climate.