ISS is committed to advancing climate justice through collaborative action. We are currently supporting two groundbreaking climate justice initiatives that are empowering communities in the Pacific Northwest to address environmental challenges with culturally-rooted and locally-tailored solutions.
- Assisting Native American Businesses with Pollution Reduction. This innovative project supports Native American-owned and -serving businesses in transitioning to safer, more sustainable products, such as cleaning supplies and construction materials. Funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the initiative is a partnership between ISS, PSU's Institute on Tribal Government, and the Northwest Native American Chamber of Commerce. Together, these partners are co-creating a culturally-relevant curriculum with Indigenous community members to promote sustainable procurement practices. Businesses will also receive technical assistance, including tailored procurement resources and guidance on implementing sustainable solutions. This project not only aims to reduce pollution but also fosters long-term economic and environmental benefits for Indigenous communities.
- The Northwest Environmental Justice Center (NWEJC). The NWEJC is a collaborative effort between Willamette Partnership, PSU’s Institute for Tribal Government, and community participants across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Funded by the EPA, the Center provides frontline communities with free technical assistance, training, cohort learning, leadership development, and systems accountability to advance climate justice goals. PSU’s ISS supports the NWEJC by engaging faculty expertise and supervising student involvement, strengthening the program’s academic and practical impact. Grounded in Indigenous values and community care, the NWEJC emphasizes place-based connections, locally-driven solutions, and relationship building. The Center’s approach prioritizes active listening and collaboration to identify and implement the effective solutions. By offering tailored environmental and energy justice assistance, the NWEJC ensures that frontline communities have the resources and support they need to address the unique challenges they face. ISS's role is to foster the engagement of PSU's faculty and students in this important work.
Contact Molly Baer Kramer about climate justice.