The gray wolf and the greater sage-grouse are two species that benefit from Native conservation programs. Photos courtesy National Fish & Wildlife Service.

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In The Way We Lived, Malcolm Margolin writes, “The Indians of northwestern California were very competent at building fish dams that could have easily reduced or even wiped out the run of fish. Instead, a series of laws and regulations, respected and strictly enforced throughout the river system, ensured that only an appropriate number of salmon would be caught, that upstream people would receive their fair share, and (most important) that an optimal number of salmon would eventually reach their spawning grounds.”

Today, endangered salmon populations typify ever-dwindling wildlife numbers and deteriorating environmental health across the globe—a situation reaching crisis proportions. Even Native lands and wildlife populations have not been immune from this process, but many tribal governments are now undertaking programs and projects to “re-wild” their lands, as a means of protecting not only their flora and fauna, but their culture and basis as a people. In spite of often daunting contemporary circumstances, many tribes are still proving themselves respectful stewards where it counts most: in practice. Here’s a look at a handful of noteworthy tribal projects actively honoring Mother Earth by helping to restore her natural vitality.