Multiple Locations

Position Title: Indigenous Climate Internship Program

Organization: Tribes and Climate Change Program & Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals

Location: Multiple locations

Organization Overview: The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) received a generous grant from the Bay and Paul Foundations to support the work of the Tribes and Climate Change Program (TCCP) to build climate resilience and capacity within Indigenous communities by engaging Young Leaders through their internship program. ITEP is one of five programs housed under the Office of Native American Initiatives (ONAI) and serves as a catalyst among tribal governments, research and technical resources at Northern Arizona University (NAU), various federal, state and local governments, and the private sector, in support of environmental protection of Indigenous and Tribal natural resources.

The Indigenous Climate Internship Program will support up to eight Indigenous climate interns who are current college or university students: two during the academic school year and up to six interns for the summer. Through this program, they are investing in their Young Leaders and honoring their Elders and Leaders who have continually voiced the need to prioritize youth engagement as a form of Indigenous resliency.

These internships engage and emphasize intergenerational teachings between Elders and youth to pass on cultural teachings, language and Traditional and Indigenous knowledges. In addition, interns will have the opportunity to learn about the latest Western science and educational tools and resources. The academic year interns work with the TCCP staff to learn about climate-related activities and efforts led by Indigenous communities nationwide through ITEP’s existing activities. Summer cohorts of Indigenous interns work directly with host organizations from across the country to work on projects specifically benefiting Indigenous climate resilience efforts.

Position Overview: Summer cohorts of Indigenous interns work directly with host organizations, ideally Tribal and Indigenous led, from across the country to work on projects specifically benefiting the Tribal climate resilience efforts. We encourage and emphasize the need and significance for the interns to learn about the intergenerational teachings between Elders and Leaders in order for Elders and youth to pass on cultural teachings, language and Traditional and Indigenous knowledges. 

Apply for a paid 8-week summer internship which may have a research, technical, educational or policy focus. You can apply for up to 5 positions with one application and preferred choice is not guaranteed

Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizen
  
• Identify as Native American/Alaska Native
• Full-time undergraduate or graduate college student during Spring 2023 (12 hours undergrad, 9 hours grad) at any tribal college, college or university
• Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Majoring in an environmental or related field like science, engineering, planning, policy, law, management, political science, anthropology, or health
• Interested in pursuing an environmental career after graduating
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interest in working with Tribal and Indigenous communities

Salary/Pay: $6,400 stipend.  There are travel and housing stipends for those that relocate for the internship.

Application Deadline: March 15

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.