I am proud that we are holding our inaugural equity summit: Training to Advance Equity and Uphold Tribal Sovereignty in a few weeks. As we approach the March 19-21 event, I encourage you all to attend this important event. It will be available to every Forest Service employee virtually.  

Advancing equity and upholding tribal sovereignty is mission critical priority work for each of us. Attendees will acquire skills to advance the agency’s three key action plans (Equity Action Plan, DEIA Action Plan, and Tribal Action Plan).

In-person participants, who we are calling equity bridge builders, will receive training to develop local justice action plans, build better community service for our customers and create a thriving internal network of support centered on equity. Virtual attendees will have an opportunity to receive early access to resources shared at the summit and, later, will support the work of equity bridge builders.  

The equity summit agenda includes an impressive slate of internal and external speakers and learning opportunities. I will be speaking, as will Associate Chief Coleman. Natural Resources and Environment and Office of the Secretary leadership will attend, as will guest speakers like Vernice Miller-Travis, executive vice president of the Metropolitan Group and pioneer of the environmental justice movement. We also have invited Governor Felix Chaves of Pueblo of Sandia to lead an invocation for the summit.

We want to improve outcomes for Indigenous and underserved communities by embedding equity in every aspect of Forest Service mission delivery. The Equity Summit is only part of the agency's long-term commitment to actions toward cultural transformation in the Forest Service. We have a long way to go, and much to learn, but events like this will help us as we grow into a forward-thinking organization.

Register for the virtual portion of the summit by visiting the official Equity Summit website. This work belongs to all of us. I look forward to seeing you online.

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