Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps
Our vision is to lead our Nations back to ecological and cultural well-being by engaging underrepresented Indigenous youth and young adults in conservation service programs that reconnect participants to the land, their cultural heritage, and their traditions. We work to remove barriers to participation, education, and employment by partnering with local community organizations, agencies, and institutes of higher learning to create paid service and career training opportunities, personal and professional development, and pathways to postsecondary education and employment.
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Jessica Arkeketa, Pipestone NM Individual Placement
Boots on the Ground
"Partnering with Jessica Arkeketa proved herself to be an incredible addition to the Pipestone National Monument team. She has helped out in just about every division of the park and has already begun learning from cultural educators so that she can pass on traditional knowledge and skills to the next generation of Otoe-Missouria quarriers and carvers." -Natalie Barber, Pipestone NM Partner
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Diné Office (Navajo) Womxn's Trail Crew
Boots on the Ground
“They gave us so much information on how to break into National Park Service positions. They treated us like VIP’s, showing us behind the scenes, and giving us their contact information so we could reach out for support and references after our season. They really showed us that being a park ranger isn’t just wearing a badge.” - Native Womxn's Crew Member [Read full article here]
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Boots on the Ground
"The Ancestral Lands crew helped our park get rid of a large amount of invasive kochia (Bassia scoparia) that we otherwise would not have treated. It prevented thousands of kochia plants from going to seed, which will help improve the habitat in the area for wildlife and allow us to plant natives." -Tina Greenwalt, Montezuma Castle National Monument Partner
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Hopi Chainsaw Crew
Boots on the Ground
"My experience this summer had such a huge impact on my choice in career. This program has opened my eyes to preserving and taking care of the land." -Ancestral Lands Crew Member
"I am honored to work in these places. Not many people have this experience." -Ancestral Lands Crew Member
