Conservation Legacy, Ancestral Lands Program

About

Founded in Acoma Pueblo, Ancestral Lands’ vison statement is “Leading our Nations back to ecological and cultural well-being.”  Since 2008, the program has expanded to develop “in community” programs with local Native staff on the Navajo Nation, Zuni Pueblo, Hopi, and in Albuquerque, NM, serving urban Native youth.

Ancestral Lands has engaged over 450 Native youth and young adults in crew-based conservation projects on native and public lands, providing paid and volunteer service-learning opportunities for young adults. Ancestral Lands projects range from historic preservation to invasive species removal; stream restoration, fencing, and trail construction; youth hiking clubs and traditional agriculture. Ancestral Lands seeks to connect traditional culture into crew lifestyle and project work.

Years Supported: 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Grant Type: Protecting sacred places