Ensuring that tribal nations and communities in our region have the scientific information and expertise they need is a high priority of the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (NC CASC). The NC CASC welcomes Stefan Tangen as the Center’s Tribal Resilience Liaison – with the goal of understanding tribal needs, connecting tribes to federal and other science resources, and fostering dialogue among tribal partners about adapting to a changing climate.

Stefan comes to the NC CASC from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, where he received a Master of Natural Resources Management with a focus on climate adaptation science and planning with indigenous communities. In Alaska, Stefan worked with several Alaska Native communities including the community of Shaktoolik. In Shaktoolik, Stefan partnered with the Tribal Council to understand perceptions of success among groups involved in Shaktoolik’s recent climate adaptation process to highlight best practices for planning with rural, indigenous communities in the state.

“I’m excited to work with tribal leaders and tribal communities across the North Central region building on my experience working with Alaska Native communities. I look forward to being involved in the amazing work that is already taking place across this dynamic region.”

While Stefan will work directly with the staff at the NC CASC, he is employed by the Great Plains Tribal Water Alliance (GPTWA), an inter-tribal organization dedicated to ensuring clean and abundant water for the people of the Great Sioux Nation now and for generations to come.

Doug Crow Ghost, Chair of the GPTWA Board, said, “Mr. Tangen will serve as a very important connector as a Tribal Resilience Liaison with the Great Plains Tribal Water Alliance and the NC CASC to Tribes in the Great Plains Region as well as Tribal Colleges and Universities, Stefan will continue an indigenous dialogue of understanding to promote [efforts to address] climate change scientifically as well as [facilitate] a cultural understanding from a tribal perspective to tribal and non-tribal communities.”

“Stefan’s arrival will greatly strengthen our ability to support tribes and tribal communities,” said Robin O’Malley, USGS Director of the North Central CASC. “His work in Alaska and his understanding of the climate and adaptation science are a strong basis to join the North Central team. And we greatly appreciate the support of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which makes this program possible.”

Tribal Resilience Liaisons are supported across the network of CASCs by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Climate Resilience Program. "We are delighted to have Stefan on board,” said Rachael Novak, director of the BIA-TCRP. “His arrival completes the placement of a total of seven liaisons across the CASC network.”