Dates: May to November 2026, online. See below for details.
Applications due: Wednesday, April 22
The Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition is pleased to offer this course to engage land trust leaders with the histories, contemporary realities, and futures of Indigenous peoples in the place now called Massachusetts. Across seven Modules, participants will build foundational knowledge of regional Indigenous history, consider relational approaches to engagement, examine political landscapes and organizational responsibilities, and learn about concrete Indigenizing practices in conservation spaces. The curriculum centers cultural humility, historical accountability, and Indigenous-led knowledge and perspectives framed by Indigenous scholarship, community voices, and lived experience. Participants are not expected to come with prior knowledge; the course is designed to meet people where they are and support growth over time.
Module 1: May 4 - May 24
Legacies of Harm: Colonialism, Conservation & Why this Work Matters
Indigenous-led discussion May 19th, noon - 1 p.m. or May 21st, 7 - 8 p.m. Peer-led discussions TBD.
Module 2: May 25 - June 28
Cultural Humility; Indigenous Histories of Southern New England
Indigenous-led discussion June 23rd, noon - 1 p.m. or June 25th, 7 - 8 p.m. Peer-led discussions TBD.
Module 3: June 29 - August 9
Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indigenous Land Relations
Indigenous-led discussion July 28th, noon - 1 p.m. or August 6th, 7 - 8 p.m. Peer-led discussions TBD.
Module 4: August 10 - Sept 6
Legal and Political Frameworks, Sovereignty & Massachusetts-Specific Rights Landscapes
Indigenous-led discussion August 25th, noon - 1 p.m. or September 3rd, 7 - 8 p.m. Peer-led discussions TBD.
Module 5: Sept 7 - October 18
Relational Community Engagement; Tribal Governments & Indigenous-led non-profit organizations
Indigenous-led discussion October 8th, noon - 1 p.m. or October 15th, 7 - 8 p.m. Peer-led discussions TBD.
Module 6: October 19 - November 8
Organizational Culture Shift: Moving Toward Ethical Relational Practice
Indigenous-led discussion November 3rd, noon - 1 p.m. or November 5th, 7 - 8 p.m. Peer-led discussions TBD.
Module 7: November 9 - December 4
Indigenizing Conservation: Land Return, Rematriation and Applied Pathways
Indigenous-led discussion December 1st, noon - 1 p.m. or December 3rd, 7 - 8 p.m. Peer-led discussions TBD.
Each Module includes a selection of recommended readings and/or videos, reflection questions that participants will complete on their own, and an Indigenous-led discussion session via Zoom. Participants can also opt to join peer-led discussions offered for each Module. The course has been designed and curated by Kimberly Toney and Pamela Ellis, with input from MLTC's working group on Expanding Indigenous Conservation Relationships. Learn more about Kimberly and Pamela here: About Us | Nipmuc Community Land Project
Intended audience
Staff and board members of Massachusetts-based land trusts seeking to understand their responsibilities working in the homelands of Indigenous people, and who are seeking to develop or expand ethical Indigenous partnerships.
Commitment requested
Approximately 4 - 5 hours per month (about 1 hour per week), including readings, reflections, and one live discussion session per module. We recognize the demands on your time and have designed the program to be meaningful, manageable and respectful of participants' schedules. Materials are designed to be flexible and accessible for busy professionals. To assist with scheduling, two dates for the Indigenous-led discussions will be offered for each module, with the expectation that you would attend one or the other. To support relationship-building and shared learning, we encourage participants to attend at least six of the seven live sessions. This learning journey is cumulative and relational; consistent participation supports trust and depth for all involved. For similar reasons, registration will be capped at 60 participants, with a maximum of three per organization. Please coordinate with others in your organization so that you can submit just one application. When deciding who from your organization should participate, we encourage you to consider who has the capacity to share this learning back with your organization.
Cost
The cost to MLTC to provide this course is over $400 per person. With support from our individual donors, we are offering the course at the suggested registration fee of $200 per organization, covering up to 3 participants. We are committed to access, so the application provides an opportunity to request scholarship assistance. The registration form also includes an invitation to contribute toward scholarships for others, in case your organization is able to do that.
Apply here (Or view the application PDF here.)