Many moons ago, while in the Armed Services in Germany,  I was intrigued one day to see the expressions of an older German couple meeting a Native American from the Jicarilla Apache Tribe and Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. I can tell you they weren’t too fond of “Americans” (so imagine their attitude towards my “American” friend dating their daughter) but when I introduced myself and where I was from, their facial expressions and attitude changed. The husband quickly jumped up and darted straight to their custom wall bookshelf and took out a book about the Jicarilla Apache. I couldn’t believe the interaction we had, but the fascination this couple displayed of indigenous peoples was inspirational and certainly made me feel even more proud coming from such a unique culture. 

I never expected to encounter such a situation overseas but it holds true to the importance of persevering our Indigenous Sovereignty. It was satisfying to know that people around the world are intrigued with Indigenous Peoples and support the feats being endured. Working with Trees, Water & People (TWP), I have learned that this is one of our best and strongest virtues. We bring like-minded people to the table and our organization to move our mission and virtues forward. 

Striving in accomplishing these needs, TWP is pursuing other avenues in supporting Indigenous communities with the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF). TWP and SFNF are reaching an agreement that would enable TWP to support Tribes with landscape restoration efforts on SFNF lands, which are culturally significant ancestral lands. This agreement is instrumental in our efforts in supporting tribal communities in exercising their Indigenous Sovereignty and promoting more equitable ways of collaboration. This would allow indigenous communities to take the lead on protecting, enhancing and restoring ancestral landscapes that are vital to indigenous livelihoods by utilizing Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) as a driving tool. 

Throughout the recent years these sacred lands have been devastated by multiple catastrophic wildland fires, drought, feral animals, and human trespass which have led to overwhelming deteriorated conditions in dire need of restoration. Capitalizing on TWP’s strengths as a convener and relationship builder, we are able to move these collaboration efforts forward. We bring together Indigenous experts in TEK, land management, hydrology and fundraising to collaborate on projects preserving and restoring critical resources needed by all New Mexicans. 

While the work will continue to get more challenging, we are positioned to take on this challenge and responsibility to assist our Tribal partners to exercise their inherent rights to protect and steward their ancestral lands and cultural resources. With your continued support and dedication we can all strengthen Indigenous Sovereignty at the regional level. Although there’s various ways to support, it’s vital to remember, it’s not what others want, it’s imperative to assist the needs of Indigenous Peoples priorities.