Advancing Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Through Beaver Restoration

Through the Advancing Tribal Nature-Based Solutions project, First Nations is investing in climate action that addresses adaptation, promotes biodiversity, and restores ecosystem and community health. In May of this year, we expanded the project to support tribes and Native-led organizations in building adaptive capacity through beaver restoration. Learn more about the Beaver Restoration grantees here.

First Nations is now bringing these community partners and others together in a Tribal Beaver Community of Practice, created to grow the field of tribal beaver restoration, bridge information gaps, define best practices, and create opportunities for mentorship and youth engagement.

This past week, Tribal Beaver Community of Practice members joined other practitioners and researchers at the Beaver Institute’s BeaverCON 2026 to discuss the role beavers play in ecosystem and community health. Several members of the Community of Practice presented on their beaver management efforts, including Sarah Beesley of the Yurok Tribe, Jesse Burgher and Danniel Kolenberg of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Daniel Denepah (Santa Clara) of the Pueblo of Santa Clara, and Brandon Kittson (Blackfeet) of the Blackfeet Tribe.