National parks are often located on stunning lands and waters that continue to be sacred to the indigenous peoples who’ve known them for thousands of years. While these places also appealed to European settlers, the concept of stewardship clashed between these cultures. Indigenous communities consider the earth to be their mother, not to be owned by any human; European settlers sought to establish ownership and boundaries.

Today, indigenous voices are still underrepresented in decisions about managing lands and waters within the U.S. National Park System.

In some cases, indigenous people are barred from accessing their ancestral lands or must obtain special permits to use traditional resources or visit sacred sites.

Historically, park custodians often regarded modern management practices as superior to methods that had sustained these lands for millennia. However, there is now a growing appreciation for traditional indigenous practices, with select ancient methods integrated into park management, such as prescribed or "cultural" fires to promote ecological diversity and reduce wildfire risks.

Increasingly, park custodians are incorporating practices honed over thousands of years into their strategies.

Indigenous voices are being invited into planning discussions, and traditional ceremonies and livelihoods are finding a place within park protocols. Nevertheless, more progress is needed to create a true balance. Nonprofit park stewardship organizations and other allies continue to champion these principles. A significant path toward collaboration between sovereign indigenous nations and the U.S. government lies in their shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

Despite cultural differences, people across diverse ethnicities, nations, and backgrounds increasingly share a common goal: to improve human custodial practices on earth, safeguarding land, water, and air for generations to come.