Indigenous rights and empowerment in natural resource management and decision making as a driver of change in U.S. forestry

Abstract

Indigenous peoples have been fighting for recognition of their rights to land and resources for generations. They have also voiced clear opposition to activities that degrade natural resources, the environment, and tribal sovereignty. Over the past several decades, Indigenous empowerment and influence over natural resource management has increased to the point where they have the potential to influence major environmental issues like climate change, fossil fuel extraction and transport, timber harvesting, and water management. This paper explores these and several other key areas where Indigenous rights are being recognized and exercised in ways that could have important implications for natural resource management. Additionally, three scenarios are presented to represent possible futures with regard to natural resource management: increased collaboration and comanagement, increased litigation, and increased violence. A fourth scenario is also presented where all three scenarios occur simultaneously in different places and times throughout the world. Indigenous empowerment has the potential to become a major driver of change for natural resource management and policy.

Parent Publication

• Drivers of change in U.S. forests and forestry over the next 20 years

Citation

Dockry, Michael J. 2020. Indigenous rights and empowerment in natural resource management and decision making as a driver of change in U.S. forestry. In: Dockry, Michael J.; Bengston, David N.; Westphal, Lynne M., comps. Drivers of change in U.S. forests and forestry over the next 20 years. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-197. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 76–83. https://doi.org/10.2737/NRS-GTR-P-197-paper8.