Program Strengthens Relationships with Native Tribes
Published June 5, 2025
Every two years, Midpen provides grants to organizations and projects that enhance the understanding and protection of our natural world, strengthen scientific research, build partnerships, expand access to the outdoors and enrich public education.
A recent grantee, TOGETHER Bay Area, is a coalition of Native tribes, public agencies, nonprofits and other mission-aligned organizations collaborating for healthy lands, people and communities with projects that aim to advance climate resilience and social equity. The grant from Midpen helped to fund TOGETHER Bay Area’s nine-month Right Relations Program, which aligns with Midpen’s priority to build capacity and partnerships that further regional conservation goals.
“The Right Relations Program isn't about telling a tribe's story or government-to-government consultation or telling anyone what to do,” explained TOGETHER Bay Area Executive Director Annie Burke. “The Right Relations Program is about shifting mindsets to think differently about relationships with people, the land and its original stewards. We are working on the same timescale as an oak tree or a redwood. Many participants said they have changed the way they work because of what they experienced and learned in the program.”
Midpen’s support allowed the program to expand. Trainings were co-developed with Redbud Resource Group, a Native American, women-led nonprofit organization that empowers tribal communities and fosters effective collaboration between tribes and non-tribal entities.
The program included workshops to educate participants on colonization, ecocide (mass destruction of nature), going beyond land acknowledgments and meaningful connection strategies. Field trips helped participants develop effective partnership skills and advance their understanding of work done by local tribal groups. TOGETHER Bay Area also facilitated roundtable discussions where guests, including Chairman Reno Franklin from the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, spoke on their experience reconnecting to the land and advancing tribal sovereignty. Opportunities like these allowed participants to grow their network and share wisdom through peer-to-peer learning.
“Midpen saw the power and potential of our cohort-based, capacity-building program and they contributed to the program's success. The problems we're facing aren't going to be solved by any one organization, so we need to work together,” Burke said.
The program concluded with 75 attendees, representing 19 organizations presenting their internal action plans based on the knowledge gained in the program.
"Midpen is proud to have assisted with such an impactful movement," said Midpen Senior Grants Technician Caitlin Amarillas. "Right relations require constant collaboration, conversation and education and TOGETHER Bay Area will continue to deepen the knowledge of members, new and old."