A sweeping Trump directive to kill “equity-related” contracts has frozen millions in funding for Indigenous-led climate and energy projects, throwing tribal science programs into crisis.
Yessenia Funes reports for Atmos.
In short:
- The Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation had begun transforming the Bear River watershed to its natural state, but federal grant funding disappeared mid-project after Trump’s executive order targeting equity-based programs.
- Tribal communities across the country are halting clean energy projects, environmental monitoring, and youth STEM programs, afraid to spend money they might never be reimbursed for.
- The funding freezes threaten to erase years of progress in building trust between Indigenous knowledge holders and mainstream science, undercutting climate resilience and community health.
Key quote:
“Being able to free the Bear River is a symbol of how we want to exist and travel and flow in our natural way. We’re a sovereign nation. We’re not DEI.”
— Brad Parry, vice chairman, Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation
Why this matters:
Indigenous science is important to planetary survival. It supports frontline climate defense systems rooted in deep ancestral knowledge with benefits for clean water, renewable power, wildfire prevention, and community wellbeing.
Read more: Protecting Indigenous children means protecting water
