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Solution to climate change may be ingrained in indigenous stewardship

The Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates destroyed by the Palisades Fire is seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
Damian Dovarganes
/
AP Photo
The Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates destroyed by the Palisades Fire is seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

The ongoing wildfires in Southern California are making it clear that climate change isn't debatable. But how do we effectively manage our environment and prepare for greater intensity and frequency of severe natural disasters like wildfires? The answer may be in the practices of the past, ingrained in the stewardship of the land by indigenous peoples.

Kasil Willie (Paiute/Pomo/Wintu/Wailaki/Irish) joins the Exchange to discuss the keys to managing the changing climate. Kasil is a staff attorney at Save California Salmon, a nonprofit organization dedicated to policy change and community advocacy for Northern California’s salmon- and fish-dependent people.

California is at a decision point on a number of significant issues that are likely to shape the state’s ability to manage the extremes to come. Solutions may reside within the lands stewarded by California's indigenous tribes.

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Mike Green is host of the Jefferson Exchange. Mike has lived in Southern Oregon for more than two decades. He is an award-winning journalist with over 20 years experience in media, specializing in media innovation, inclusive economics and entrepreneurship.
Natalie Golay is the Senior Producer of the Jefferson Exchange. She has a B.A. in Visual Arts, a multimedia certificate from the Vancouver Film school, and a law degree from the University of British Columbia. A communications professional for over 20 years, Natalie is a natural storyteller with extensive audio and video production skills.