While the Climate Science Alliance is composed of a large, diverse network of stakeholders and community members - there is a core team working hard behind the scenes to connect the climate dots. We invite you to get to know our team and what drives them in this fun new series.
Team Member: Will Madrigal, Jr.
Position: Tribal Capacities and Partnerships, Program Manager
Describe What You Do With the Climate Science Alliance:
This position has the primary function of facilitating engagement activities with scientists, stakeholders, and partners across the region and beyond, with particular focus on building pathways for engagement, support, and partnership with Tribal partners.
Specifically, the position supports the Resilient Restoration project, a collaboration between the Climate Science Alliance Tribal Working Group, UC Riverside, and San Diego State to advance understanding of climate change impacts to culturally significant plants and actions to conserve these species in tandem with Tribal health, wellness, and culture.
Why do you do this work?
I am imparted to be a good steward to the land by my community and my ancestors. I wholeheartedly believe that I must do what I can to fulfill that mandate, to further the work that the Climate Science Alliance has started and continues to do in my native communities; to address the direct and adverse effects of climate change on native lands.
Of the 10 Things You Can Do to Protect the Earth - Which one do you commit to doing and why?
I solemnly commit to educating others and developing epistemic and ontological native programming that will address the long term effects of climate change on the land by engaging in critical collaboration and research.
What gives you Climate Hope?
“The Land is us, We are the Land” is a native proverb that invokes the servitude and obligation to act as native communities and stewards. We are responsible for addressing climate change by creating a futurity for the next seven generations to come. My hope is that through our actions today, we will fulfill our obligation.
What is Your Life Motto or Favorite Quote?
“Achaqwen ehewneshne pen palowa tamit”. (Live well and have a beautiful day.)
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that inspired you?
A message from my ancestor of resilience and hope, for the sovereignty of our native people.
“You have ended your war... “Indians must still win our great battle-- a battle for justice, release from autocratic government controls...the chance to shape our own destiny”.
-Rupert Costo
Speech at the United Indian War Veterans Organization, San Francisco, 1966.
What do you like to do for fun?
Going hiking and camping with my wife and boys.
Tell us one thing on your bucket list.
Live one year in Germany.
To learn more about the Climate Science Alliance and the work we do, please visit us at: www.climatesciencealliance.org