A Collaborative Network for Tribal Climate Leadership on the North Coast of California.

Background: Since time immemorial, Tribal Nations have cared for lands, waters, and ecosystems through principles of responsibility and reciprocity. Now, climate change poses an unprecedented threat to cultural and environmental resources, as well as the well-being of Tribal communities. Particularly, on the North Coast, rising sea levels, intensifying wildfires, ocean acidification, and increased drought conditions pose risks that demand bold and coordinated climate action and resilience.

Tribal Nations are meeting this moment with urgency and creativity. By scaling solutions that braid Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Western Science, Tribes are working to ensure a healthy, vibrant, and thriving community and ecosystem.

About TCRN: The Tribal Climate Resilience Network (TCRN) convenes and supports Tribal Nations along the North Coast aligned in their collective interest to advance climate action, energy sovereignty, and resilient ecosystems. The group is facilitated through the CORE Hub at the Humboldt Area Foundation + Wild Rivers Community Foundation (HAF+WRCF).

TCRN project examples include 

• Community Microgrids (Both in-front and behind-the-meter). 
• Decarbonizing Infrastructure (e.g., Electrification, Solarization, and Efficiencies).
• Supporting Traditional Forest Management Practices
• Mitigating Flood Risks in Vulnerable Areas.
• Offshore Wind Energy Development Engagement.

TCRN Priorities

The climate crisis is complex and requires attention in multiple ways. TCRN’s key focus areas can be boiled down to four key priority areas:

1. Climate Action: Advancing decarbonization and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the worst effects of the climate crisis.
2. Climate Resilience: Preparing and adapting to the most severe climate impacts.
3. Capacity Building: Expanding Tribal capacity to design, implement, and influence large-scale resilience efforts.
4. Knowledge & Education: Deepening climate literacy to guide informed, effective action.

How it works

To support change, TCRN acts in a number of different ways. 

• Grantmaking: Flexible, multi-year funding that supports Tribal climate planning, project development, and implementation.
• Technical Assistance: Delivering expert, coordinated support for shared Tribal climate goals.
• Convening: Resourcing partners to share knowledge and participate in regional learning.
• Policy Advocacy: Supporting Tribal leadership in regional, statewide, and national decision-making.

Vision Statement

TCRN recognizes that meeting the climate crisis with urgency requires Tribal leadership at the center of change, driving the design of just, locally grounded systems that protect lands and waters, support cultural and community well-being, and shape healthier futures for generations to come.