[Continuation of Session 1C as Panel Discussion]

North Carolina is home to one of the largest Native American populations in the nation, represented across eight tribes. Due to high levels of poverty and residence in high-risk areas, Native American communities in North Carolina may face disproportionately higher levels of impact from extreme weather events, disrupting their livelihoods, rights and access to natural resources, future growth, and culture. Recent natural disasters in North Carolina, such as the drought-caused wildfire (2016) and Hurricane Matthew (2016), have significantly impacted tribal communities. The result is a heightened awareness for tribal communities to make decisions around climate extremes. In response, tribal communities are working to better understand climate extremes, how tribes can strengthen their decision making to prepare for and respond to these events, and reduce the health impacts associated with these events.

This session will highlight issues facing tribal communities in the face of climate change as well as present projects and strategies developed to address these challenges. Presentations will highlight specific projects, lessons learned, future goals, and impacts of these projects on their respective communities. Additionally, discussions around cross-tribal collaborations will focus on effective strategies that support tribal communities from policy-making to decision-support and suggest ways in which tribal communities can continue to build resilience.