Models of Holistic Tribal Land Stewardship in the Northern Great Plains

With continued support from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, First Nations implemented a third phase of the Mapping Ecological Stewardship Opportunities (MESO) project. The project provided funding, technical assistance, and learning opportunities to several tribes and Native-led organizations to advance ecological stewardship in the Northern Great Plains.

This report outlines best practices, strategies identified, and key lessons learned during the third phase of the project. Featured are an overview of the MESO projects and their successes, including takeaways for respecting Tribal sovereignty, centering community engagement, and aligning stewardship efforts with tribal values and ways to improve tribal control of and access to land and natural resources.