Braiding knowledge systems for more resilient reclamation

In Arizona, 40% of mining impacted lands are on or bordering Tribal Nations. To address this disproportional effect on Indigenous Peoples, understanding of soil health, Indigenous knowledge systems and tribal consultation are vital. Indigenous land management practices result in higher species richness and less land degradation than non-Indigenous strategies. However, Indigenous knowledge systems have historically been left out of environmental assessments. To better serve Tribal Nations, scientists, government agencies and industry need to collaborate with Indigenous land stewards. This presentation will give one example of how Indigenous knowledge aided in mining reclamation success. .