Indigenizing rangeland management: Transitioning a Westernized science discipline into something meaningful for Tribal communities

Prior to colonization, indigenous people, grazing animals, and fire had a closely intertwined relationship that contributed to the shaping and maintenance of healthy grasslands/rangelands. The introduction of non-native grazers, non-native plant species, and mismanagement gave rise to the birth of the rangeland management discipline, which focused mainly on livestock and maximizing forage production. These westernized approaches have since been applied on Tribal lands through the administration of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which is now required for many federally funded projects. As Tribes begin to pursue self-determination in the management of their own natural resources using their traditional knowledge and relational connection to the land, these westernized approaches and federal requirements often hinder these efforts. We discuss the challenges for indigenizing rangeland management as Tribes look for ways to transition a Westernized science discipline into something meaningful for their communities, culture, and now altered landscapes.