Request for Proposals: Contractor Tribal and Indigenous Environmental Research & Writing (Two Positions)

Contractor Responsibilities:

Project 1: Research and Writing on Tribal Water Priorities for the Ohio River Basin

Background: Stakeholders in the 14-state Ohio River Basin are collaborating on a regional plan to restore and protect the waters of the region. The plan will identify threats to the region (toxic pollution, habitat loss, sewage contamination, invasive species, etc.) and solutions to those threats. A main objective of the plan is to support the clean water and conservation priorities of federally recognized Tribes. The goal is to include those priorities in the regional plan. More information on NWF’s Ohio River work can be found at https://www.nwf.org/ohioriver

Qualifications:

You have experience working with Tribal and Indigenous communities, particularly in environmental conservation, water protection, or animal stewardship. You demonstrate respect and sensitivity toward Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK).

You possess strong research, writing, and editing skills, with the ability to clearly document and communicate complex findings, both in reports and presentations.

You have a deep understanding of Tribal sovereignty, the importance of integrating Tribal perspectives into conservation planning, and are knowledgeable about Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) principles.

You are skilled in engaging with a range of stakeholders, including Tribal leaders, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Note: Personal connection to and experience in the identified regions will be prioritized.

Timeline:

The contract will last 6-8 months, with final deliverables due by Fall 2025. Specific milestones and deadlines will be outlined at the start of the contract.

Timeline: Research and Writing to be completed by June 16, 2025

Research and Outreach:

Conduct interviews with federally recognized Tribes and Tribes with ancestral ties to the Ohio River Basin (e.g., Seneca Nation of Indians, Eastern Band of Cherokee, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, etc.).

NWF has some established relationships with federally recognized Tribes; in other cases, the contractor will be responsible for reaching out to Tribes not already aware of this project.

Gather and document water, conservation, educational, and cultural priorities that Tribes want included in the Ohio River Restoration and Protection Plan.

Focus on water-related issues affecting the Ohio River Basin, including pollution, runoff, sewage contamination, and ecosystem health.

Writing and Documentation:

Synthesize findings into a well-organized chapter that clearly documents Tribal priorities related to clean water, conservation, and cultural preservation. The length of the chapter will likely be between 5 -15 pages.

Collaborate with NWF to ensure that the report aligns with the broader Ohio River Restoration strategy and incorporates feedback from Tribes.

Project 2: Identification of Conservation Priorities for Tribal Communities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions

Research and Outreach:

Conduct research and assist interviews with Tribal and Indigenous communities across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Identify conservation priorities, particularly species of cultural significance to Tribal communities (e.g., moose, salmon, and other Species of Greatest Conservation Need).

Work with Tribes to identify conservation projects that reflect Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Indigenous stewardship practices.

Writing and Documentation:

Report: Synthesize research findings into a report that documents animal conservation priorities and species of cultural significance to Tribes.

Case Studies: Collaborate with NWF to develop 2-3 case studies that highlight best practices and lessons learned from Indigenous-led animal conservation efforts in the Northeast.

Presentation: Assist in synthesizing research findings to develop a presentation for environmental and conservation conferences.

$25,000 for each project or $50,000 if both projects are combined.

Payment will be based on the completion of mutually agreed-upon milestones and deliverables.