tribes want burning programs to be guided by the knowledge of the tribe in whose territory it takes place, including observance of associated spiritual practices. “Fire is a gift from the Creator. If we don’t use it, it will come back and burn us up.” “There are times we have to regulate ourselves if we want the forests to be healthy. But we want that regulation to be directed by tribal visions and standards, not projections on us by or from the BIA.” In contrast, wildfires and, in particular, high intensity wildfires are destroying habitat for wildlife, compromising fish habitat, and eliminating populations of culturally important plants. These high intensity fires are making it difficult for affected tribes to meet their goals with regards to fishing, gathering, and hunting. In some cases, medicinal plants have been especially adversely impacted by large wildfires. This places tribal health at risk. Enterprises and NTFPs At least one tribal enterprise provides food for elders and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), including wild foods also sold outside the tribe. This enterprise also creates opportunities for tribal youth to earn money and pay for school expenses by gathering these wild foods. Also, many tribes typically retain NTFP for subsistence needs only, which limits opportunities for enterprises that could compete with traditional or subsistence uses. Forest Planning and NTFPs While the particular species of interest vary from tribe to tribe, providing opportunities for tribal
Firewood collection program operated by the Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho. PHOTO CREDIT: VINCENT CORRAO
case of vascular plants, fungi, and non-timber uses of trees and 5) Management for healthy populations of these species and access to them should be considered part of the Trust Responsibility. Fire, Cultural Burning and NTFPs Regular burning was a key aspect of tribes’ landscape management for centuries to millennia before it was prohibited and US forest management policy emphasized fire suppression. Oppression of Native Americans, removal from ancestorial lands, conflicts with settlers, and criminalization of native burning practices also played a detrimental role. Tribes consistently identify the lack of cultural burning as having very adverse effects on species that
are fished, gathered, and hunted. It is unsurprising, then, that restoration of cultural burning is a high priority for many tribes. These tribal cultural burning efforts are being used to restore habitat for culturally important animals, fungi, and plants, which are valued as food, medicine, artisanal, and spiritual uses. In some cases, partnerships with state agencies and/or nongovernmental agencies are proving to be supportive of tribes’ efforts to restore cultural burning. However, regulations and delays in receiving burn permits are hampering tribal efforts to restore landscapes and habitats for fishing, gathering, and hunting. Tribes note that the exact timing and methods of burning in one place will not necessarily work in another area. As a consequence,
40 Assessment of Indian Forests and Forest Management in the United States
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