Who Qualifies for Indigenous Land Use Research in Montana
GrantID: 8114
Grant Funding Amount Low: $75,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $250,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Mapping Indigenous Land Use Histories in Montana
Montana is distinguished by its vast natural landscapes and a significant Indigenous population that plays a fundamental role in the state’s cultural and ecological narrative. However, Indigenous communities in Montana often face barriers to recognition and support for their land use practices. The state’s history of land management decisions has frequently overlooked Indigenous methods, contributing to a disconnect between traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary conservation strategies.
Those who face barriers in land management and conservation range from tribal leaders advocating for recognition of traditional practices to researchers seeking to document these histories accurately. With the rise of climate change and environmental degradation, there is an urgent need to revisit and honor Indigenous land stewardship methods that have sustained ecosystems for generations. The integration of Indigenous knowledge systems into modern resource management practices is crucial for addressing contemporary ecological challenges.
Research funded under this initiative will focus on documenting and analyzing the historical land use practices of Indigenous peoples in Montana. By mapping these practices, researchers can identify successful strategies that have maintained biodiversity and ecological balance over time. This project aims to contribute to a greater understanding of land management that honors and incorporates Indigenous methodologies.
In Montana, where land is integral to Indigenous culture and identity, the outcomes of this research have far-reaching implications. Not only can this work reinforce the legal rights of Indigenous peoples over their traditional territories but it can also guide contemporary conservation efforts. By integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research, Montana can develop more effective approaches to land management that respect and empower Indigenous communities.
Through this journey of rediscovering and validating Indigenous land use, Montana has the potential to set a precedent for how states can embrace and learn from their Indigenous histories. Funding for this research represents a critical step toward correcting historical inequities while fostering a restoration of Indigenous practices into the broader environmental narrative.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
