This is a summary of an ArcGIS StoryMaps story This story is funded by the Native Drought Resilience Project, a collaboration between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), Salish Kootenai College, the Montana Climate Office at the University of Montana, and the Wilderness Society. Funding for this project has been awarded by the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) through the NDIS Coping with Drought Research Competition.
The information in this story’s map has been derived from the CSKT Climate Change Strategic Plan and meetings with CSKT tribal members and employees. However, this map is not a comprehensive summary of all climate action undertaken by the tribes, and readers are encouraged to reference the Climate Change Strategic Plan and CSKT websites for more information.
Climate change is not an abstract concept for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation; it is a pressing reality threatening their traditional way of life, ecosystems, and the very landscape they have inhabited from time immemorial. Stephen SmallSalmon, a CSKT elder, poignantly captures this sentiment, noting, “I started to realize it [the climate] is changing. Life is changing. The world is changing. Everything is changing.”
For centuries, the Séliš, Ql̓ispé, and Ksanka Peoples have nurtured a symbiotic relationship with the Northwest environment, living in a region that spans what is now Montana. This relationship is deeply rooted in respect and reciprocity, a testament to their profound understanding of the land’s rhythms and needs.
In response to the escalating threats posed by climate change, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes crafted the Climate Change Strategic Plan. This comprehensive document underscores the tribes’ areas of concern, priorities, and ongoing actions across eight vital sectors: forest, wildlife, fish, water, infrastructure, people, lands, and air. The plan is designed to safeguard the tribes’ environment and, by extension, their way of life.
These innovative ArcGIS StoryMaps stories serve as a gateway to understanding the multifaceted impacts of climate change on the Flathead Reservation. By integrating images, texts, videos, audio clips, and interactive maps, they provide an immersive experience into the tribes’ climate adaptation efforts. This digital narrative highlights the challenges faced, innovative solutions, and the unwavering spirit of renewal among the tribes.
The stories offer a comprehensive look at the tribes’ journeys, from their historical displacement and resilience to their contemporary struggles and achievements in climate resilience. The Climate Change Strategic Plan, focusing on interconnectivity across various life sectors, emphasizes a holistic approach to climate adaptation that acknowledges the intricate balance of ecosystems.
This project is envisioned as a living tool that evolves with new insights, feedback, and the unfolding realities of climate change. It invites the wider community to engage, learn, and contribute to a collective effort toward resilience and sustainability.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes stand at the forefront of climate action, not as passive victims but as active stewards of their land and heritage. Their journey is a testament to the power of collective will, deep respect for nature, and the critical importance of addressing climate change. Through their stories and strategic planning, they offer insights and inspiration for communities worldwide grappling with similar challenges.
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The effort to understand and combat climate change on the Flathead Reservation is a poignant reminder of the urgent need for collective action. As we listen to the voices of the elders and witness the innovative strategies employed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, we are reminded of the resilience and adaptability that define humanity’s relationship with our planet.
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