Vision Statement
To prepare the Navajo Nation to adapt to our changing climate, and implement strategies that will preserve and enhance natural resources and provide a resilient future for the Navajo communities by:
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Protect and enhance native species of both vegetation and animals, and;
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Establish and manage their natural habitats;
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Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle;
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Implement and enforce sustainable, long-term livestock management goals;
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Recognize vulnerable areas and prepare for natural disasters;
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Provide sustainable healthy food sources for a healthier lifestyle;
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Taking advantage of advanced technology to encourage innovation and create a more efficient and livable community;
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Protect and enhance watersheds;
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Cleaning up polluted areas;
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Implement natural resource management plans (fire, erosion, etc.), and;
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Educating the public
Why it's Important
Why the Navajo Nation is Planning for Climate Change
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The effects from climate change are happening right now and the Navajo people are witness to its continuing outcome.
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The Navajo people established their cultural lifestyle from the earth itself. The ceremonial herbs, scared stones, wildlife, and more are important elements to the people.
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Planning for the oncoming change helps to reduce future risks imposed by climate change.
Acknowledgements
This project received financial support from the 2016 Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Resiliency Grant for Tribal Adaptation and Capacity Building, along with the Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. Many people participated in the development and implementation of this plan.
The Navajo Nation would like to acknowledge contributions of the following individuals:
The Navajo Nation Climate Change Planning Team:
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Gloria Tom, Director, Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Carolynn Begay, Climate Change Team, Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Raylene Yazzie, Climate Change Team, Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Taylor Greene, Forest Biologist, Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Chad Smith, Zoologist, Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Aileen Hale-Chee, Administrative Service Officer, Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Vernonda Howard, Office Specialist, Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Carlee McClellan, Senior Hydrologist, Department of Water Resource
Additional Contributions:
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Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, Northern Arizona University Division of Natural Resources, Navajo Nation
Special thanks also to the following groups and individuals for their dedicated participation:
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District Grazing Committee
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Navajo Nation Farm Board
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Navajo Nation Land Board
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Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture
Executive Summary
Impacts to the Navajo people, both directly and indirectly, won’t be seizing so it is up to the people to adapt to the future changes. This ongoing change due to the climate around us is the reason the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife (NNDFW) established the Climate Change Program and team. The purpose for the program is to spread awareness of climate change to the Navajo people.
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Several hours were spent visiting communities all over the reservation to present on impacts and suggested adaptive solutions for climate change.
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Along with presenting, the program distributed a climate change survey which community members were able to fill out at community events, schools, and chapter houses.
Overall, the team’s main goal was to communicate with community leaders to create the Navajo Nation’s first ever adaptation plan for climate change.