Water, Land and Relatives Panel at The Great Northern Festival 2026

A distinguished panel moderated by Leah Lemm (Senior Editor, Native News at MPR) featuring Dr. Ken Lucero (Trust for Public Land), Shelley Buck (Owámniyomni Okhódayapi), Dr. Darren Ranco (University of Maine; Wabanaki Commission on Land and Stewardship), and Dakota and Penobscot leaders will share insights from reclamation efforts, discuss how public-private partnerships can support land-back initiatives, and highlight the role Tribes and Native-led organizations play in advancing Indigenous visibility and environmental stewardship. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how returning land to its original stewards strengthens ecosystems, builds pride of place, and fosters a thriving, inclusive community for all.

The event is presented in partnership with and sponsored by Trust for Public Land.