The National Park Service (NPS) and the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni Nation have signed an historic Annual Funding Agreement that paves the way for projects like “ Women in Fire.” The agreement signed will provide more efficient collaboration and partnership on projects aimed to protect the natural and cultural resources in Redwood National and State Parks.
The initiative is part of national NPS strategy to recruit, train and support Women on wildland fire careers. The agreement will directly encourage local indigenous women to pursue careers in the wildland fire management profession.
To accomplish the goal of creating successful pathways to Women in leadership, Redwood National and State Parks will work on changing the culture and structure of the wildland Fire program.
Redwood National Park Superintendent Steve Metz said, “This agreement builds upon our existing relationship, allowing us to work together more efficiently. Xaa-tr’vlh-nvt-tr’e’-yu or Women in Fire is an incredible first use of the Agreement.” Tolowa Dee-ni Chairperson Jeri Lynn Thompson praised the agreement. “ This agreement has been a long time coming and will be used as a tool to build on the strong partnership we already have with Redwood National and State Parks.”