American Indian Report - May 2008 - (Page 22)

En v I r o n M En T Penobscot Nation Restores Cultural Use of Water By Kimberly hayes BY FOCUSING ON ELIMINATING POLLUTION and restoring the cultural use of water on its lands, the Penobscot Indian Nation exemplifies diverse and innovative tribal practices, according to an Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Interior Department report. The Penobscot is among 14 tribes recognized in the report, titled Tribal Successes: Protecting the Environment and Natural Resources. The report said that although tribes face common barriers in environmental management, these challenges can be overcome through innovative practices, like collaboration and partnerships, education and outreach and expanding resources. The tribe is located in Maine and has 2,129 members. Much of its land is forested, and paper mills are prevalent. According to the report, the tribe has implemented a “hands-on” traditional approach to environmental and natural resource improvements. “We are a rivering-based tribe, and the culture is connected to the Penobscot River,” John Banks, director of Natural Resources, said. “We have been here for 10,000 years, and many of our cultural and traditional activities surrounded the watershed and harvesting fish, wildlife and plants.” “Since the industrial revolution, there has been a tremendous amount of ecological impairment from pulp, paper and hydro electric project development,” Banks said. “There is evidence that our fish are contaminated with toxins, such as dioxin and PCBs, which are very potent human carcinogens.” Jan Paul measures the transparency of the water using a secchi disk and viewing scope. This measurement gives an idea about how much is floating in the water. Photo courtesy of the Penobscot Nation 22 May 2008 American Indian Report http://www.doioig.gov/upload/2007-G-0020.pdf http://www.doioig.gov/upload/2007-G-0020.pdf

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of American Indian Report - May 2008

American Indian Report - May 2008 Contents Courts: Blackfeet Housing Authority Can Be Sued For Unhealthy Homes Congress: Activity on the Hill Ethics & Standards of Conduct: Personal Use of Tribal Property Policy: "Meriless Indian Savages" and the Declaration of Independence Green Technology Grants: New DOJ Program Provides Funding For Rape Crisis Centers Listen & Learn: Multiple Indirect Cost Rates Sweet Success Penobscot Nation Restores Cultural Use of Water Tribes Diversify with Private Equity Fund The Native American YouTube Tribal Government: An Introduction to Strategic Planning

American Indian Report - May 2008

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