Thursday, May 21, 2015
By Diana Madson
A Chippewa Tribe increasing cultural, economic and climate resilience.
In Michigan, most members of the Sault Sainte Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians – like other Americans – have come to rely on food and power from far away. That concerns Kathie Brosemer, the Tribe’s environmental program manager.
BROSEMER: “Down the road, climate impacts are going to be a global problem, and food supplies and energy supplies are going to become less reliable.”
So the Tribe is working to increase self-reliance, a goal that dovetails with efforts to preserve their history and culture. For example, a traditional foods program teaches gardening, canning, and freezing methods.
BROSEMER: “It’s a nice coincidence that all the things that we do to maintain and restore cultural and economic resilience are things that fit well with climate resilience.”
For example, there are economic and climate benefits to the tribe’s energy efficiency campaign. After using thermal imaging cameras to identify gaps where heat is escaping from homes and government offices, they are sealing them up. They’ve also installed more efficient lighting in many buildings and new Energy Star appliances, doors, and windows in hundreds of rental homes. Step by step, the Sault Sainte Marie Tribe is increasing their cultural, economic, and climate resilience.
Global Climate Change
Environment Ethics
Environment Justice
Food-Matters
