November is Native American Heritage Month, a nationwide celebration of the contributions of Indigenous peoples and celebration of their heritage, traditions, culture, art, and history while acknowledging how society has impacted Indigenous peoples and culture. New York State was the first state to recognize “American Indian Day” in 1916, originally observed on the second Saturday in May.
The latest episode of “DEC Does What?!,” the bi-weekly podcast — “Relations with Indigenous Nations” — highlights the work of DEC’s Office of Indian Nation Affairs to address environmental concerns, protect cultural resources, and advance shared knowledge through consultation with the nine State and Federally recognized Indian Nations in New York State.
In this episode, hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald are joined by Peter Reuben, Director of DEC’s Office of Indian Nation Affairs, and Beynan Ransom, the Office’s Program Coordinator, to discuss how DEC works to strengthen relationships and engagement with Indigenous Nations on environmental issues, protection of cultural and historical resources, and development of policies around various areas, including environmental justice.
Pete and Beynan — who are enrolled members of Indigenous Nations — discuss how their personal experience shaped their careers with DEC, future goals and objectives for the Office of Indian Nation Affairs in the coming years, and the recent return of 1,000 acres of ancestral land in the Tully Valley to the Onondaga Nation.
Episode 15 also spotlights the latest environmental news and DEC initiatives, including statewide drought conditions, DEC’s response to recent wildfires across the state — including the Jennings Creek fire in Orange County.
You can listen to the podcast here.
For a full list of New York Almanack podcasts announcements click HERE.
Map: Indian Nations in New York State.
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