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I call this hearing of the Committee on Indian Affairs to order. Aloha, and welcome to the Committee's oversight hearing on Impacts of Environmental Changes on Treaty Rights, Traditional Lifestyles, and Tribal Homelands.
Across this great nation, Native peoples were the first stewards of these lands we now call America. The relationship between Native nations and their environment is sacred. It is the foundation of their cultures and world view. Their knowledge is valuable to all of us, because it was acquired by studying this place over thousands of years, and for hundreds of generations. In this way, Native cultures hold the oldest records of this environment and utilize the most sustainable practices for living in harmony with it-respecting nature and mother earth.
As a Native Hawaiian, we have a concept called malama 'aina, caring for the land, but it means more than this simple translation can convey.
Malama 'aina teaches us that we must care for the land and nature, so it can continue to care for and sustain us-and our future generations. It means that the relationship between man and environment is a reciprocal one. I learned as a young boy, that malama 'aina is more than a good idea; it is the foundation of how we live and who we are as a people.
This concept is not unique to my people, it is something all Native peoples share-the idea that we have a responsibility to steward our lands. Fulfilling that responsibility is part of who we are as indigenous peoples.
As a result, Native peoples are often able to notice subtle changes in our environments well before the data exists to verify it. Native communities have faced tremendous difficulties over time but now they are facing, perhaps their most daunting challenge-a changing environment.
While environmental changes are widespread, studies indicate that Native communities are disproportionately impacted because they depend on nature for traditional foods, sacred sites, and to practice ceremonies that pass on cultural values to future generations.
Although there is no easy solution, collectively, we can address these issues. Several Tribes and Native communities are leading the way by creating adaptation and mitigation plans. At the federal level, agencies are providing resources and programs to address climatic changes.
Native peoples have much to contribute on how best to address environmental change. Embedded in their cultures are excellent resources and ideas for developing adaptation and mitigation strategies that work for everyone. In closing, I want the witnesses to know that the many ideas you shared with the Committee today have been valuable, and I look forward to working with you to turn them into actions.
Oversight hearing on impacts of environmental changes on treaty rights, traditional lifestyles, and tribal homelands
Statement of Chairman Daniel K. Akaka Committee on Indian Affairs
Thu, July 19, 2012
I call this hearing of the Committee on Indian Affairs to order. Aloha, and welcome to the Committee's oversight hearing on Impacts of Environmental Changes on Treaty Rights, Traditional Lifestyles, and Tribal Homelands.
Across this great nation, Native peoples were the first stewards of these lands we now call America. The relationship between Native nations and their environment is sacred. It is the foundation of their cultures and world view. Their knowledge is valuable to all of us, because it was acquired by studying this place over thousands of years, and for hundreds of generations. In this way, Native cultures hold the oldest records of this environment and utilize the most sustainable practices for living in harmony with it-respecting nature and mother earth.
As a Native Hawaiian, we have a concept called malama 'aina, caring for the land, but it means more than this simple translation can convey.
Malama 'aina teaches us that we must care for the land and nature, so it can continue to care for and sustain us-and our future generations. It means that the relationship between man and environment is a reciprocal one. I learned as a young boy, that malama 'aina is more than a good idea; it is the foundation of how we live and who we are as a people.
This concept is not unique to my people, it is something all Native peoples share-the idea that we have a responsibility to steward our lands. Fulfilling that responsibility is part of who we are as indigenous peoples.
As a result, Native peoples are often able to notice subtle changes in our environments well before the data exists to verify it. Native communities have faced tremendous difficulties over time but now they are facing, perhaps their most daunting challenge-a changing environment.
While environmental changes are widespread, studies indicate that Native communities are disproportionately impacted because they depend on nature for traditional foods, sacred sites, and to practice ceremonies that pass on cultural values to future generations.
Although there is no easy solution, collectively, we can address these issues. Several Tribes and Native communities are leading the way by creating adaptation and mitigation plans. At the federal level, agencies are providing resources and programs to address climatic changes.
Native peoples have much to contribute on how best to address environmental change. Embedded in their cultures are excellent resources and ideas for developing adaptation and mitigation strategies that work for everyone. In closing, I want the witnesses to know that the many ideas you shared with the Committee today have been valuable, and I look forward to working with you to turn them into actions.
