Kylie Avery is the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center’s Assistant Tribal Climate Resilience Liaison through the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI). Kylie is an enrolled Shawnee Tribal Citizen and is based in Seattle, Washington. In her role, she engages with Tribal governments and NGOs on Tribal issues as they pertain to climate change, resource vulnerability and climate adaptation actions.
Kylie received a bachelor’s degree in Animal Biology with a minor in Native American Studies from University of California, Davis. Prior to her work with the NW CASC, she completed a fellowship with the Strategic Energy Innovations’ Climate Corps program where she was paired with ATNI as a Climate Fellow. When not working, Kylie enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
What led you to work in the field of climate adaptation?
I grew up in San Diego County and did a lot of conservation work through programs with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. In my undergraduate work, I focused on anthropogenic effects on wildlife. While I did not focus exclusively on climate in school, the effects of climate change influence all fields I have been involved in.
What does your day-to-day work look like?
My role as a Liaison is to develop partnerships to advance Tribal resilience to climate impacts and to serve as an informational hub between Tribes, Federal agencies, researchers, and other Tribal and non-Tribal partners.
My role as a Liaison is to develop partnerships to advance Tribal resilience to climate impacts and to serve as an informational hub between Tribes, Federal agencies, researchers, and other Tribal and non-Tribal partners. When I am not working from home, I am attending intertribal events and connecting directly with Tribes.
How does your work support climate resilience in the Northwest?
The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians supports climate resilience by connecting Tribes to grant opportunities, offering free workshops on various topics and hosting regional and national meetings and events. Some of these opportunities include the National Tribal Leadership Climate Change Summit, the Northwest Tribal Clean Energy Summit, and Tribal Climate Camp.
What is your favorite thing about your work?
I really enjoy the range of work I am involved in. Being able to connect directly with a variety of people always keeps me on my toes.