Mending Mountains Collective is excited to share some of our recent accomplishments. Collectively, Gem and her clients help build pathways in support of Tribal and Indigenous-led efforts in conservation, ancestral lands protection, and rematriation.
New Guidance Framework on State-Tribal Collaboration
April 2025 - Colorado’s Guidance Framework for Tribal Collaboration in Natural Resources, Conservation, and Outdoor Recreation is published! MMC was the project co-lead and facilitator.
Report on Consent in Hardrock Mining in Alaska
August 2025 - Alaska Mining Impacts Network report on consent-based decision making in hardrock mining in Alaska. Gemara was a lead author on this report. Commissioned by the Alaska Conservation Foundation.
The First Stewards Network is Launched
September 2025 - A virtual gathering space created by and for Indigenous Peoples who are engaged in land conservation, stewardship and community leadership with a focus on private lands / land trusts. MMC is the project facilitator, and co-creator. Supported by the Land Trust Alliance.
Keynote Speaker at the Inaugural Tribal Summit - Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
January 2026 - Gemara Gifford was announced as a plenary speaker for the April 2026 Tribal Summit at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Partners in the Outdoors Conference.
New Research Paper Published on Indigenous Conservation Futures
February 2026 - Confronting the colonial history of conservation, this synthesis paper outlines how conservation can support Indigenous-led conservation in the future. Collaborators: Colorado State University, University of Colorado, Boulder.
