Abstract

Michigan Tribes are currently experiencing the impacts of climate change: warmer average annual air and surface water temperatures, more volatile weather characterized by extreme precipitation events, decreases in duration and extremity of winter temperatures, and increases in duration of summer temperatures. Changes in climate and weather patterns are accelerating, with an expected increase in mean annual temperature of 5.5 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit by mid century (2041 – 2070; GLISA 2016). These changes impact Michigan Tribes in numerous ways both directly and indirectly. Tribes are concerned with climate change and how to plan for potential and undefined impacts on natural features, traditional ways, public health, and infrastructure. Now is the time to evaluate and plan for climate change with adaptation strategies that mitigate degradation or losses in Tribal resources.

This planning document is the result of a cooperative effort among the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc., and nine federally-recognized Tribes in Michigan (participating Tribes): Bay Mills Indian Community, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi (Gun Lake Tribe), Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.