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. 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—and the statewide burn ban in place through Nov. 30, due to increased risk of wildfires.

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About:

“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast   

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