Intertribal Timber Council survey of tribal research needs

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the first systematic attempt to understand the research needs, priorities, and interests of Native American tribes' forest resource managers and decision-makers. In 2011 the Intertribal Timber Council disseminated a survey to 129 individuals that represented over 30 tribes as well as a variety of federal agencies and research/education institutions. The survey sought to evaluate the relative importance of a variety of research topic areas as well as better understand impediments to research faced by the tribes and evaluate the relative attractiveness of different opportunities for collaborations and partnerships. Results from the survey reveal three important themes: 1) tribes place particular importance on research related to water, fisheries and other "non-timber" values; 2) collaboration and cooperation are very important, especially concerning (but by no means limited to) the integration of traditional knowledge with western science; and 3) adaptation of research to the local landscape is of greater value than pursuing peer-reviewed, original research for its own sake. The findings of this survey will provide an important tool to the new ITC research subcommittee as it attempts to aid in the creation of culturally responsive, tribally driven forest-based research.