The Puget Sound is in critical condition as crucial salmon habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate. Sovereign tribes increasingly work with state and federal government agencies and the public to shape environmental policies. Communication is essential to effective collaboration. This task force offers concrete communication strategies for the Tulalip Tribes to reach non-tribal millennials and begin to build a relationship around Puget Sound restoration.
ISSUE DESCRIPTION:
Communication between tribal and non-tribal entities frequently has been ineffective and strained in the past.
Goal: To establish a relationship between the Tulalip Tribes and non-tribal millennials in the Puget Sound that proves productive and educational for both parties.
Most non-tribal millennials are unaware of the topics of tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and existing tribal environmental programs.
Goal: To express to millennials that tribal rights are important for both tribal members and non-tribal members of society, especially since treaties can force environmental protection.
Non-tribal millennials are concerned about broad environmental issues such as climate change, but are less aware of local issues such as depleted salmon populations and habitat decline.
Goal: To inform non-tribal millennial about Tulalip environmental projects.
COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY:
We developed a two-pronged approach that includes a written strategic communications plan, coupled with a dynamic digital story.
Strategic Communication Suggestions:
- Collaborate with UW departments and organizations to create impactful partnerships and increase student awareness of vital environmental issues and Native American rights.
- Plan and execute events on and off campus geared toward a greater understanding of the intersections among treaty rights, environmental change, and state and federal policy.
- Use social media as a medium to create and publicize events for both UW students and the non-tribal millennial public in the Puget Sound.
Digital Story Utility:
- Host the digital story on various platforms to raise awareness, foster change at UW, and encourage linkages between UW and the Tulalip Tribes.
- Execute an event at the UW Intellectual House presenting the digital story and discussing our learning experience with this project.
