The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes just released this news today:
PABLO, MT – On invitation from the White House, the National Wildlife Federation and National Tribal Environmental Council, Chairman James Steele, Jr, of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will travel to the International Climate Change talks in Copenhagen Denmark in order to participate on a White House panel. With sponsorship from the National Wildlife Federation, Chairman Steele will join the National Tribal Environmental Council delegation. The 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15), commonly referred to as the Copenhagen Summit 2009, takes place at Bella Center in Copenhagen from the 7th to the 18th of December, 2009. Chairman Steele’s panel is scheduled for December 17 at 10:30 a.m. and is titled Leadership and Innovation by States and Tribes in the United States. He will be on a panel along with the governor of Wisconsin, Jim Doyle; Congresswoman Kate Knuth of Minnesota; and Colorado Governor advisor, Alice Madden. They will discuss efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses.
“I consider this a great honor to attend this historic event. American Indians and the Salish and Kootenai Tribes have long been leaders in pursing ways to protect our lands from pollution and destruction,” said Steele. “Our home reservation features pristine wilderness, waters and animal life. This didn’t happen by chance or luck. We’ve worked very hard to maintain our natural areas and we’re also reclaiming lands. Each day seems to bring a new threat to our lands. I welcome this chance to tell our story.”
Chairman Steele was invited to participate due to the leadership role that CSKT is taking in addressing climate change and because of the leadership role that Montana’s tribes have taken in the current climate change legislation being considered in Congress.
The Climate Conference in Copenhagen has been called an essential gathering for the world’s climate because it is the last time governments will meet officially before the 2012 Kyoto Protocol, designed to prevent climatechanges and global warming, runs out. Representatives from 170 countries are expected to be in Copenhagen. Organizers are planning for crowds of 8,000 officials, journalists and NGO for the landmark event. Denmark is hosting the event in its capital city of Copenhagen.
