Many indigenous peoples are working to maintain cultural survival through integration of indigenous knowledge (e.g., phenological observations, wild cultivation expertise, and ecosystem management expertise) with climate change research and climate based ecological restoration/adaptation. Even though local, place-based climate knowledge maintained through story and knowledge of sacred sites, ancestral gathering, hunting, camping and fishing areas are incredibly valuable for climate change adaptation planning, this information is not readily transferable to the scientific literature, and in most cases, it would be inappropriate or offensive to publish. This presents a challenge for those working to blend traditional knowledge and western science during the development of climate change adaptation programs and collaborative relationships with scientific and educational institutions. The Nez Perce Tribe is working to overcome these barriers through meaningful community participation, surveys and elder interviews, hiring in-house social and natural science professionals, climate smart conservation projects that include cultural values without revealing sacred information, and the leadership and grace of the Tribal Community, Government, and Staff. We present a case study on collaborations with Point Blue Conservation Science and the University of Idaho to include cultural traditions and values in a restoration toolkit for ecological and cultural resilience, and a climate-smart agricultural program. We discuss the steps taken by the Tribe to overcome barriers, lessons learned, suggestions for methodologies, and measures to honor the resilience, wisdom, and wishes of the Nez Perce People during this process. Our collective future depends upon collaborations amongst human beings with a checkered collective past, and bold and courageous leadership. Tribal communities are demonstrating a model of leadership and grace by working with each other and with western scientists in visionary ways on climate change resilience planning. This has allowed for collaborative relationships that are expanding the capacity of the Nez Perce Tribe to address climate change and integrate cultural values and perspectives into the process.
