TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND |

Usa

Trust for Public Land (TPL) has worked with more than 70 tribes and Indigenous communities for almost three decades in order to protect and return 200,000 acres of ancestral homelands and create community gathering places. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with tribes and Indigenous communities to reclaim their traditional lands, reconnect to sacred places and create quality outdoor spaces,” said Mary Chranko, Director of Corporate Partnerships at TPL. “To accomplish this, we are developing trusting relationships, demonstrating respect for Indigenous people’s histories, cultures, and elevating Indigenous leadership.” The funds from The VF Foundation were used to support the

Tribal and Indigenous Summit to explore how to accelerate TPL’s work. The summit included 11 Native community leaders from as far away as Hawaii. “Thanks to The VF Foundation’s support, we advanced initial Tribal and Indigenous Lands planning and have laid the groundwork for a thoughtfully designed and meaningful program,” said Mary. This includes expanding TPL’s evidence-based climate justice work which aims to improve health, climate, equity and educational outcomes for students and their communities. The program will also catalyze the development of new green schoolyards on nature-deprived Tribal lands through a pilot project with the Bureau of Indian Education.