Dr. Jones and his team has led the planning and implementation of our Tribal Climate Camps (TCCs) since 2016, which have been the model of success for providing a week-long tribally focused training on climate resilience and adaptation. Our six Tribal Climate Camps have been designed for elected Tribal leaders and Tribal staff and have been attended by over 160 Tribal delegates representing more than 80 Tribal delegations from more than 40 Tribal Nations. See the extensive press coverage, videos, and delegate testimonials from our TCCs below.  

Testimonials

"From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you both for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this year’s Tribal Climate Camp.  It was truly a transformative experience that I will forever hold near and dear to my heart.  Thank you both for your incredible leadership and hard work." Elected Tribal Leader (August 2023)

"I appreciate all the effort of coming together to elaborate about tribal climate and learning from one another. Thank you for expanding our knowledge and sharing your presentations. It was worth the learning experience." Early career Tribal college student (March 2023 TCC)

"Thank you all, I enjoyed attending and experiencing such positive energy, you are all truly assets to your communities and sovereign nations." Tribal delegate (March 2023 TCC)

In the news

Indigenous communities in North America are at the forefront of the many harmful effects of climate change. They also lead the way in promoting policies, crafting climate adaptation strategies, incorporating traditional knowledges in solutions, and engaging elders and youth in the struggle to understand and adapt to the changing world. In 2022, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians co-hosted the 5th in a series of summits alongside many tribal and non-tribal partner organizations. This Summit engaged Tribal leadership across the US in conversation on goals and strategies to successfully navigate climate change's cultural, economic, and social challenges.  The purpose of this Summit was threefold: 1)  Hear from and speak to Tribal communities on the front line of climate change  2)  Explore what it means to lead a just transition for Tribal Nations in the face of climate change 3)  Explore how Tribal sovereignty and co-management can be strengthened to advance Tribal goals and objectives in the face of climate change. 

Testimonials

"Michûksûs. I thoroughly enjoyed the ATNI Tribal Climate Summit, and the support provided to attend it. I made invaluable connections and hope to get more involved with ATNI." Early career scholarship recipient (2022 Climate Summit)

"Thank you again for your excellent job with the Climate Change Summit. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot." Government Agency Leadership (2022 Climate Summit)

"All my best and thanks again for organizing such a fantastic event!" Nonprofit participant (2022 Climate Summit)

The 2023 Northwest Tribal Clean Energy Summit convened Tribes to learn, share information, and advance Tribal clean energy initiatives in the Pacific Northwest. The Summit intended to engage Tribal leaders, citizens, staff, youth, and collaborators in conversation about navigating the cultural, economic, and social challenges of implementing clean energy projects. Our goals included: 1) Ensuring that Tribes have the information, support, capacity, and resources necessary to plan for and implement Tribal Energy Projects; 2) Increasing Tribal awareness of opportunities and challenges faced by other Tribes in developing energy projects and when partnering with outside partners for planning, policy development, and project implementation; 3)  Improving project success by empowering agencies and partners to engage and consult with Tribes appropriately; and 4) Assessing Tribal needs, interests, and priorities related to energy sovereignty, while providing listening opportunities for intertribal collaboration to move those priorities forward.

Testimonials

"Thank you so much for the invitation to the conference! I've been to several Tribal energy conferences over the last year, and this was by far the best organized/most interesting one." Tribal College instructor (June 2023)

"Attending a Tribal Clean Energy Summit was a dream come true for me. Thank you for all your hard work to make this amazing event happen." Tribal staff member / speaker (June 2023)

"Y’all did an AMAZING job with the Tribal Clean Energy Summit. At our house, we’d say, “Five Stars!” 😊 Thank you a great event and for letting us be part of it.  The info was valuable so if any of it is available post-summit, please let me know. Chokma’shki/Thank you so much!" Tribal liaison for an energy utility (June 2023)

"I just wanted to reach out and say how I truly enjoyed the Tribal Clean Energy Conference last week. The speakers were great, the session very relevant and well curated, and the logistics was smooth. Tulalip, as a venue, was really awesome too. I am looking forward to more ATNI events in the future!" Corporate attendee, (June 2023)