On Monday, October 26, Sub-Chief Kenneth Jock of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe gave opening words and prayer for the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC) Biannual Science Symposium. OERM Tribal Climate Scientist, Dr. Casey Thornbrugh, also participated in the Opening Session of the NE CASC Science Symposium with a land acknowledgement to recognize the homelands of Indigenous peoples in the Northeast, and gave opening remarks to reflect concerns and priorities of USET member Tribal Nations for adaptation to climate change impacts. OERM Director Jerry Pardilla participated on a management panel to address intersections for Tribal Nations to collaborate and coordinate on regional climate adaptation initiatives.
Day two featured Dr. Kelsey Leonard from the Shinnecock Indian Nation with a Keynote Presentation on Tribal Climate Resilience and the protection of Tribal ocean spaces. Also on day two, Dr. Thornbrugh served as a panelist on a Climate Adaptation Justice panel and co-facilitated a Tribal-led workshop with Dr. Darren Ranco from the Penobscot Indian Nation and the University of Maine Native American Program.
NE CASC Science Symposium webinar recordings will be posted to the NE Climate Adaptation Science Center website as soon as they are available.