Indigenous people have been involved with wildlife conservation and management in the Americas for thousands of years. But it’s only since the 1980s when different Tribes in the U.S. organized into the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society.

In this episode of “Our Wild Lives,” Julie Thorstenson, executive director of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS) and a citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation discusses her background working with black-footed ferret reintroduction on Tribal land. 

She also talks about her experience collaborating with Tribes and First Nations through the NAFWS and the ways that Indigenous knowledge contributes to wildlife management.

“Our Wild Lives” is The Wildlife Society’s biweekly podcast, sharing compelling stories from wildlife professionals doing critical work around the world. Your hosts, Katie Perkins and Ed Arnett, of The Wildlife Society, bring you thought-provoking conversations with leading experts and emerging voices.

Further reading:

Native American Fish and Wildlife Society - https://www.nafws.org/

From the Field Publication - https://www.nafws.org/from-the-field

Connect with NAFWS

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nafws/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafws_insta/

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