Climate change impacts – most notably those related to changes in the water cycle – are putting Indigenous peoples of the Northern Great Plains at high risk by harming their economies and livelihoods. While many Tribal nations have been very proactive in adaptation and strategic planning for climate change impacts, the keys to continued success include collaboration, coordination and support across local, state and federal entities. Tribal nations offer unique and valuable insights to climate change, given their connection with the land dating back thousands of years. As the climate changes, wildlife and plants that Tribal nations depend upon and traditionally use in sacred ceremonies and medicines are being negatively impacted. This affects traditionally practiced cultural lifestyles tied to the sacredness of land and water, which can negatively impact the overall health and well-being of the Northern Great Plains’ Indigenous peoples. To cite specific examples, the region is experiencing declines in native tree species, like conifers and hardwoods; declines in salmon, trout, frogs and mussels due to reduced streamflow and increasing water temperatures; and changes to sage, cottonwoods and cattails due to extreme heat. Availability of water – which is of particular importance to Indigenous peoples given it defines their cultural expression – is changing due to a changing climate. Sometimes there’s too much, in the form of floods. Other times, there’s too little, in the form of drought. As the US faces aging infrastructure from coast-to-coast, Tribal nations are at particular risk due to sub-standard water infrastructure. This poses a considerable threat to their sovereignty as it relates to water rights, resulting in water usage insecurity. It is estimated that 76% (29,000) of Indigenous households are in need of new or improved sanitation facilities in the North Great Plains region, while about 20% lack access to safe water supplies and sewage facilities at all. Tribal nations have unique water rights and layers of relevant state and federal laws along with climate change are likely to compound these legal complexities, especially in cases where water laws supersede tribal water codes and water rights during times of scarcity. Communication and willingness to work together towards acceptable and just solutions are of utmost importance moving forward. Read more on impacts to indigenous peoples and contributions made by NC CASC members to the US Climate Resilient Toolkit for the Northern Great Plains region for tribal nations.