“Intergenerational land-based learning creates a nurturing environment for Elders to share their wisdom with the next generation,” says Janna Black, the Tribal Climate Resilience Liaison for the Great Plains Tribal Water Alliance and the North Central CASC. 

To this end, Black prioritizes youth culture and climate camps in her work to empower future climate leaders with important cultural foundations. Bridging generations and encouraging collaboration, the camps connect Wind River Indigenous youth participants with a network of Elders, peers, other community members, and climate change experts. The camps weave together culture and science by focusing on Traditional Ecological Knowledge and place-based learning about how climate change is already impacting the community. 

The camps work to foster confidence, leadership skills, cultural awareness, and climate knowledge to support future leaders in their communities. Black additionally supports several Tribal climate resilience initiatives meant to cultivate enduring relationships and meaningful connections with Tribal nations across the North Central CASC region.