Perspectives from the Blackfeet Nation on Developing a Tribal Park

Abstract

Tribal Parks are a tool used by Indigenous groups in North America to protect culturally and environmentally significant areas and support sustainable tourism. The functional components are similar to other Indigenous, and community-led conservation efforts; however, the lack of research on conservation areas employing the Tribal Park title has led to limited guidance for Indigenous groups interested in designating a Tribal Park to achieve cultural, economic, and environmental goals. This research explores the perceived benefits and concerns of Tribal Park development from the perspective of members of the Blackfeet Nation in Northwestern Montana when considering a Tribal Park designation. The findings demonstrate that Tribal Parks share many common traits identified as crucial in sustainable tourism development, such as planning for economic benefits to community members and cultural interpretation; while also highlighting unique aspects of Tribal Parks (i.e., sovereignty and repatriation of land, environmental and cultural resource conservation, and wildlife habitat connectivity). This research guides Indigenous and Tribal communities who may consider a Tribal Park as a sustainable tourism and/or land conservation tool. The findings also highlight the importance of collaboration and partnerships with adjacent protected areas and stakeholders.