California: First-of-their-Kind Grants Support Tribal-led Wildfire Resilience Projects
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SACRAMENTO ~ Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the awarding of $19 million for 13 projects as part of the nation-leading Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grant Program. This program was developed in partnership with California Native American tribes to manage ancestral lands, employ traditional ecological knowledge in wildfire resilience, and improve wildfire safety for tribal and surrounding communities.

Governor Newsom stated that "In the last four years, California has seen fires at a scale and frequency like never before. Tribes have sustainably managed California lands since time immemorial, and the state is reinvesting in those tried and true practices – and these awards further our commitment to tribes and pay due respect to their deep understanding of and relationship with the land. Together, we are building a healthier California, for the land and all its people – especially its original stewards."

The Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grant Program focuses on areas most impacted by catastrophic fires as well as areas that will benefit from tribal partnership and additional wildfire management. The grants will support ongoing fuels reduction projects on tribal lands, recruitment and training of tribal youth and conservation staff, improvement of access to traditional food and basketry materials, promotion of tribal expertise in wildfire resilience, innovation of tribal science to build capacity for resilience throughout ancestral lands, community development initiatives, workforce development initiatives, purchase of land for nature-based solutions programs.

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Tribal Affairs Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari commented that "The ongoing engagement of tribes advocating for their interests continues to translate into real dollars to address long-standing issues in California Indian Country. We will continue to advocate for and support investments like the Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grants to bolster sound, sustainable, and tribally-led initiatives while increasing public safety and climate resilience across the state."

California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot added that "This is a huge step forward to support tribal leadership to protect and heal our environment. Tribal wildfire management practices have protected communities and landscapes for thousands of years. This first-of-its-kind funding will help restore and expand these tribal practices which we are learning from and expanding upon within our state agencies."

Daniel Salgado, Tribal Council Chairman Cahuilla Band of Indians expressed his gratitude saying "On behalf of the Cahuilla Band of Indians I extend our deep gratitude to Governor Newsom and the State of California for recognizing and supporting our commitment to wildfire resiliency. This Tribal Wildfire Resilience grant will empower our community to enhance safety preserve our cherished traditions promote sustainable growth."

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These grants are part of Governor Newsom's $2.7 billion investment through his Wildfire & Forest Resilience plan as well as a historic $101 million Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program which supports tribal initiatives that advance well-being in their communities while helping achieve California's world leading climate & conservation goals. Additional funding is available with solicitations expected open in December 2023 with another round expected in 2024.

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