Indigenous communities throughout North America—many of which are situated directly in the path of accelerating environmental change—are taking significant and intentional steps to adapt to the growing threats of climate change. Far from being passive recipients of its consequences, these nations are drawing on profound ancestral relationships with the land, time-honored ecological wisdom, and strong intergenerational ties to shape resilient futures. With targeted efforts to enhance tribal capacity, many Indigenous groups are engaging in thorough planning efforts that intertwine cultural perspectives with modern science, presenting innovative and meaningful models for adaptation. A standout example of such an approach is the Blackfeet Nation’s comprehensive Climate Change Adaptation Plan, which exemplifies this culturally rooted, forward-looking mindset. cultural integrity and autonomy.

In light of the mounting climate risks, tribes across the country are embracing proactive adaptation planning, with a heightened awareness of how health disparities make their communities especially vulnerable. Insights from the Climate-Ready Tribes Initiative (CRTI), featured in Health Affairs, highlight how these efforts reach beyond technical assessments. Tribes frequently rely on community-driven, values-based data to shape strategies that reflect their own cultural ideals and broader notions of wellness. Education and outreach remain central to these initiatives, keeping both leadership and local populations well-informed and actively involved in implementing best practices. Since 2016, the CRTI—developed by the CDC and the National Indian Health Board—has provided key support in the form of competitive grants, hands-on technical assistance, and platforms for peer learning among tribal professionals across the nation.

The Blackfeet Nation’s adaptation plan, as profiled on their official website and within the CRTI context, brings these principles to life. Launched in 2016 under the guidance of the Blackfeet Environmental Office, the plan was deliberately inclusive—designed to span all governmental departments while grounding every decision in traditional knowledge and a shared vision for future generations. At its heart is a belief that the well-being of people is inseparable from the health of the natural world, a guiding philosophy that shaped every step of the planning process. By utilizing resources like the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals’ (ITEP) Adaptation Planning Toolkit and applying locally relevant climate forecasts, the Nation was able to identify vulnerabilities and chart effective responses.

This plan is notable for its breadth and depth, presenting actionable adaptation goals and strategies across a range of sectors—from agriculture and cultural heritage to fish, forests, public health, land use, water resources, and wildlife. Among its achievements is a dedicated Climate Health Guide, supported by CRTI, which outlines specific health challenges and offers ways for communities to engage meaningfully in solutions. Importantly, the Blackfeet Nation has embedded climate adaptation into the broader fabric of its governance. The climate plan now informs key strategic documents such as the Agricultural Resource Management Plan and the Integrated Resource Management Plan. This alignment demonstrates a lasting commitment to resilience and sustainability woven into all aspects of tribal resource management.