Learning and Working with Native American Women

By James Calabaza, Director of the Indigenous Lands Program

Conventional conservation often portrays stewards and land managers working together to conserve, protect and/or restore critical landscapes for the survival of our planet. But underneath the macroscopic lens of conservation, women, more specifically Native American women, are rarely recognized for their achievements and dedication in the world of conservation. 

However, in the midst of this inequity, change is percolating and is bound to happen. Trees, Water & People (TWP) Indigenous Lands Program (ILP) is honored to learn and work with Native American women from various Tribal communities who have overcome systemic and cultural barriers, paving the way for future generations of Native women and girls to carve their own achievements in the world of conservation. Not only are these women empowering the next generation of young women to think for themselves and take on leadership roles but they’re also changing the narrative of why women need to be included in all aspects of conservation work and society. 

Photo: Jim Holbrook for Humans of New Mexico

One such leader is Phoebe Suina. As a Tribal member with the Pueblos of Cochiti and San Felipe in New Mexico, she is also the owner of High Water Mark LLC - a Native American Environmental consulting company in New Mexico. As a Pueblo woman, she has broken down barriers across multiple levels of governments that historically have excluded women from participating in conversations centered around policy, Tribal relations and management of critical lands and resources. Her educational and cultural wisdom guides her motive to bring forth unique perspectives and ideas from a woman's point of view that many of us don’t see or understand. Not only is her dedication and wisdom imperative to our collaborative work but also important for TWP to learn and understand the importance of the roles Native women play in conservation work. 

Phoebe Suina and the High Water Mark Team

Our work continues to evolve and adapt to new situations. By focusing on and advancing gender equity, we’re creating more inclusive and equitable lifeways for Native women to be respected. Our goal is to ensure that Native women get equal pay and be part of the decision-making process but also ensure that Native women's voices are heard and valued in all TWP sponsored projects. Native women have also played a critical role in our lives and communities, it’s now time to engage with them, learn from them and respect them as strong leaders.