Public Lands and Indigenous Peoples with Len Necefer

In today's world, respecting public lands and indigenous peoples is more important than ever. And few people can show us the way better than Dr. Len Necefer. His rare combination of knowledge is here for you to absorb—accumulated over his years as a professor of American Indian Studies and Public Policy at Arizona State University, an avid adventurer, and the CEO of Natives Outdoors. Simply put: If you spend time outdoors, it’s critical to hear Necefer’s facts and wisdom. Every single learning will inform your next adventure, while giving you a platform to educate your fellow outdoors lovers, too.

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Level: 
Beginner - Advanced
Videos: 
13
Length: 
40:55

About the Course

It's more important than ever for outdoor recreationists to respect public lands and indigenous peoples. We've tapped into one of the industry's brightest minds to bridge the gap.

What you're going to learn:

  • The history of your public lands and why it matters
  • How tribes and the outdoor community have lead to the largest conservation wins ever
  • The traditions of land stewardship among indigenous peoples
  • Your role as an outdoor recreationist
  • And much more

Lesson 1: Your Public Lands - A Brief History

To understand the present-day public lands and how they relate to indigenous peoples, as well as other outdoor enthusiasts, we must take a deep look at our history. In this lesson, we cover how public lands were taken from indigenous peoples, and the events that have transpired since.

American Settler Colonialism

:50

Historical Timeline

7:42

Lesson 2: The Ultimate Land Stewards - Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Ecological Acknowledgements

For an average outdoor adventurer, your connection to the land is made through sport—hiking, biking, skiing, and so forth. But for indigenous peoples, the connection goes far deeper. In this lesson, we look at that connection, through the lens of ecology and discuss how you can connect to your local ecology, too.

The Peoplehood Matrix

:42

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (aka TEK)

4:07

In the Field: TEK and Walking with Len

5:00

Lesson 3: The Roles Tribes Play in Public Land Management Today

As the original occupants of this nation, indigenous peoples are the most valuable consultants and decision-makers when it comes to the future of public lands. This lesson explores how they lead the way, whether it be in regard to climate change policy, trail building, and beyond.

Case Study: Sacred Indigenous Sites and Climbing

It's no secret that physical strength is absolutely paramount to climbing success. But more often than not, climbers' fitness routines are far from what they should be. This lesson covers Nina's tried-and-true fitness philosophy—covering fingers, shoulders, core, and more.

Sacred Indigenous Sites and Climbing

8:56

Lesson 4: Bears Ears - Tribes and Climbers Working Together

In southeastern Utah, the Bears Ears National Monument holds a unique and exemplary story about how different groups of people—including climbers, indigenous people, government officials—can protect special lands by working together. This lesson tells that story.

The History of Bears Ears National Monument

2:25

Finding Common Ground

2:24

Lesson 5: Reducing Conflict Between Tribes and the Outdoor Community

When tribes and the greater outdoor community work together, amazing things happen. Len explains in this lesson how we can properly collaborate and support one another.

Educate Yourself and Take Action

3:03

Economics

1:25

Course Conclusion

1:37

Files & Resources

Browse all the links and downloads mentioned in the course. If you would like us to include any other resource, please let us know by contacting us here.