Native Americans didn’t just live on the land—they shaped it in ways that still resonate today. Their profound understanding of nature and commitment to stewardship laid the groundwork for what we now recognize as the U.S. National Park System. From the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone, their influence is woven into every trail and policy.
This legacy is alive in everything from sustainable practices to co-management agreements. Here are eight powerful ways Native American wisdom continues to guide the conservation efforts that protect our national parks.
1. Stewardship of Sacred Landscapes
Native American tribes were the first caretakers of the land, long before vast tracts became national parks. They viewed these places as sacred and connected to their traditions and stories.
For example, the Greater Yellowstone area has deep ties to tribes like the Kiowa, Blackfeet, Shoshone, and Nez Perce. These tribes walked its trails, told stories about the land, and respected its resources. (ref)
When you visit Yellowstone or other parks, you’re stepping into landscapes that were cherished and protected by Native Americans for generations.
2. Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Native Americans passed down knowledge about how to care for the land for thousands of years. They knew which plants to harvest, how to hunt sustainably, and how to keep ecosystems in balance.
This wisdom, called Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), still shapes how some parks are managed today. TEK is also referred to as Native Science or Indigenous Knowledge. (ref) It’s a reminder that living in harmony with nature is possible and has been done for centuries.
3. Sustainable Land Management Practices
Tribes used careful land management practices to ensure the land thrived. For example, they used controlled fires, which helped renew the soil, improve plant growth, and prevent large wildfires.
This practice, known as cultural burning, is being recognized again by park managers as a smart way to keep forests healthy. Studies show that such treatments often improve plant growth by reducing pests and making them better for weaving and crafts. (ref)
When you explore these parks, you’re seeing the results of sustainable techniques that Native Americans used to keep nature flourishing.
4. Place Names & Cultural Significance
When you visit a national park, many of the names you see—like mountains, rivers, or valleys—come from Native American languages. These names often tell a story or reflect the importance of the place to the tribes that lived there.
For instance, Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, comes from a Koyukon Athabaskan word meaning “The High One.” By keeping these names, we honor the deep cultural connection Native people have to the land.
5. Collaboration in Co-Management Agreements
Over 250 agreements exist between the National Park Service and Tribal Nations. These partnerships focus on managing resources together, protecting cultural sites, and supporting Indigenous stewardship in national parks. (ref)
This includes the collaboration between the Hoonah Indian Association and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Fort Laramie officials in Wyoming have been in conversation with the 25 treaty tribes since 2015. (ref)
6. Indigenous Art & Storytelling in Park Education
Within national parks, you might see Native American art, hear traditional stories, or learn about local tribes’ history. This is no accident—parks work with Native communities to include their culture in visitor experiences.
Stories and art aren’t just beautiful; they help you understand the deep connection between tribes and the land. By sharing their traditions, Native Americans teach you to see the parks as more than just pretty places—they are living, cultural landscapes.
7. Influence on the Design of Park Policies
Native American tribes have shaped how parks are run today. Their ideas about caring for the land, respecting sacred sites, and using resources wisely have influenced park policies.
For instance, Yellowstone National Park was the first national park established in the U.S., and it was inspired by the Native American tribes who had protected and lived in harmony with the land for centuries.
Also, Glacier National Park in Montana was influenced by the Blackfeet Nation, who had long revered the land as a sacred place. Even the Grand Canyon National Park was also inspired by the Native American tribes who had lived in the area for thousands of years.
8. Preservation of Biodiversity
Native Americans have long practiced sustainable land management, carefully hunting, planting, and using resources without over-harvesting. This approach has helped protect plants, animals, and ecosystems for generations. Their deep understanding of nature continues to inform modern conservation efforts.
Visiting parks like Yosemite or the Everglades shows the lasting impact of this balance. Indigenous knowledge of low-impact farming and fishing practices plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity. As we look to the future, it’s essential to honor and include Indigenous voices in the stewardship of our national parks.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.