This episode of Nonprofit Report highlights the work of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS)—a nonprofit supporting tribal stewardship of fish, wildlife, and natural resources across more than 574 federally recognized tribes and millions of acres of ancestral land.
Guests:
Don Reiter, President, NAFWS; Wildlife Biologist, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
Julie Thorstenson, PhD, Executive Director, NAFWS; Citizen of the Lakota People
Ashley Mueller, Director of Education and Advancement, NAFWS; Citizen of the Navajo Nation
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- Native American Fish and Wildlife Society serves tribal nations across 42 million acres and diverse ecosystems—from Everglades to permafrost.
- Programs integrate Indigenous knowledge and Western science for holistic conservation.
- Youth education includes scholarships, internships, and the National Summer Youth Practicum.
- Peer-to-peer training connects tribal professionals across the country to share knowledge and skills.
- Tribes define their own management practices, including perspectives on invasive species.
- Climate change, habitat loss, and treaty rights are core environmental challenges facing tribes.
- Funding and technical training are top priorities for tribal wildlife professionals.
- In 2024, NAFWS directly supported 348 out of 574 federally recognized tribes.
Other Points on the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society:
The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society is a trusted partner in protecting not just species and ecosystems—but sovereignty and cultural heritage. Founded in 1983, the organization exists to serve the conservation needs of Native communities, providing technical assistance, funding support, and professional training nationwide.
Its holistic philosophy is grounded in Native worldview: everything is connected. Ecological work is inseparable from cultural values, spiritual teachings, and traditional ecological knowledge. From conservation law enforcement to bison restoration, tribal practitioners apply generational wisdom to modern challenges.
NAFWS remains neutral on conflicting tribal priorities, focusing on shared goals like climate resilience, education, and sovereignty.