Arizona Tribes Secure Funding to Boost Climate Resilience

Five tribal nations in Arizona have secured funding from the U.S. Department of the Interior to combat severe climate-related environmental threats. This initiative aims to bolster community resilience in the face of escalating challenges.

Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland emphasized the unique and existential threats Indigenous communities face, stating in a written statement, “Indigenous communities face unique and intensifying climate-related challenges that pose an existential threat to Tribal economies, infrastructure, lives and livelihoods.”

The funding is part of the Department’s Tribal Community Resilience Annual Awards Program, which provides financial support to federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations to enhance their resilience capabilities.

In Arizona, the recipients include the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, Navajo Nation, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Zuni Tribe, and Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe. These funds will aid in planning and implementing vital climate-related projects within their communities.

Administered through the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and annual appropriations, this funding serves as a critical resource for tribal nations. The Department of Interior noted that the investment will facilitate planning and adapting to climate threats while ensuring the safe relocation of crucial infrastructure when necessary.

“Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have made transformational commitments to assist Tribes and Tribal organizations,” Haaland stated. “This supports our trust and treaty responsibilities while safeguarding these places for generations to come.”

Across the nation, the program awarded more than $121 million to 96 tribes and 10 tribal organizations for 124 projects focused on resilience against climate threats. Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland remarked, “Today, we are not just investing in projects; we are investing in the future of our Tribal communities.”

The funding will support various initiatives, including climate adaptation planning, community-led relocation efforts, and habitat restoration. “The Biden-Harris administration recognizes the vital role that Indigenous knowledge and leadership play,” Newland said. He added, “These awards are a downpayment on a more sustainable and resilient future for Native communities across the country.”

For their planning efforts, the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, Navajo Nation, San Carlos Apache Tribe, and Zuni Tribe received funding, allowing them greater flexibility in addressing climate concerns.

In northern Arizona, the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, whose land borders Utah near Fredonia, received $249,789 to develop a climate change adaptation plan. The plan aims to tackle drought, extreme temperatures, and the risk of wildfires, thereby enhancing resilience by protecting water resources, cultural sites, and public health.

The Navajo Nation was allocated $249,820 for climate resilience planning, centered around the Teesto Chapter House. This project will involve community engagement and a climate vulnerability assessment to prioritize adaptation actions that strengthen the community’s ability to tackle climate impacts.

The San Carlos Apache Tribe will utilize its $249,600 funding to collaborate with experts and Indigenous knowledge holders. Their project focuses on developing a comprehensive plan to identify climate threats and outline prioritized actions.

The Zuni Tribe, located in northeastern Arizona, received $250,000 to restore riparian wetlands along the Little Colorado River on sacred lands. This project will create a comprehensive plan to revitalize native species, enhance water availability, and support cultural practices, contributing to the area’s climate resiliency.

Lastly, the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe was awarded over $3.1 million for implementation projects aimed at improving water quality and sovereignty. Their proposal includes mitigating harmful runoff from drainage systems, advancing the tribe’s efforts to enhance water sovereignty on their reservation lands.