Indigenous Communities

Essays and conversations exploring how Tribal sovereignty, history and knowledge can guide the future of America’s public lands.

The Conservation Movement Has a Relevance (and Class) Problem

To build the political power it needs, the conservation movement should connect nature loss to kitchen table issues and create policy solutions that working people will fight for.

By Amanda John Kimsey

/ 11 Jun 2026

The Conservation Movement Has a Relevance (and Class) Problem

Addition by Subtraction: Scaling Up Dam Removals to Revitalize America’s Rivers

Thousands of aging and forgotten dams — big and small — have outlived their usefulness. A nationwide dam removal effort, led by communities, would reduce public safety risks, bring rivers back to life, and boost economies.

By Elizabeth Klein

/ 4 Jun 2026

Addition by Subtraction: Scaling Up Dam Removals to Revitalize America’s Rivers

Fixing One Byzantine Process Would Return Reservation Lands to Tribes and Improve Landscape Health

A law from 1887 broke up lands within Indian reservations, creating a “checkerboard” pattern and making it very difficult for Tribes to manage their lands. There is a fix for this.

By Natalie Landreth

/ 9 Feb 2026

Fixing One Byzantine Process Would Return Reservation Lands to Tribes and Improve Landscape Health