Sariel is a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (“CSKT”), where she has learned much about the deep connection between her culture and the land. The CSKT cultural practices and traditions passed down from generation to generation are not only teachings for preservation but are also tied to seasonal changes so that the tribe can live in synchronicity with the natural environment.

Climate change has been an ongoing issue and conversation for Sariel, her family, and her community because it harms their traditional way of life. The unnatural change in temperatures and extreme weather events due to the climate crisis are impacting the winter season in Montana and affecting some of Sariel’s cultural traditions that involve snow, like the annual telling of the Coyote and Creation stories told by Elders only when there is snow on the ground. With less snow, these stories, important for Sariel’s tribe, begin to fade as they can’t be passed down. Additionally, the stronger and extended wildfire season has burned parts of the reservation, causing people to evacuate. Changes in climate are also impacting her ability to forage berries – another important cultural tradition.