Sharing Knowledge: The Inspiring Leadership of Kathy Moses

This International Women's Day (3/8) and Women's History Month (March), we are honored to have Kathy Moses (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation [CTCR)] share her Voice with us.  Recently retired from her years of dedicated service to the Colville Reservation, Kathy has been a leader in environmental education and outreach at CTCR.  Throughout her time there, she worked with communities and public schools on and off the Colville Reservation and multiple Tribal, Federal, and State agencies to advocate for Tribal rights, sovereignty, and priorities.  Kathy also served the Colville Tribes as Public Information Officer during wildland fires, protecting and advocating for her reservation community and the watersheds of her home.  In this short interview, Kathy reflects on her traditional teachings, who inspires her, and her work in environmental education.  Photo by Ryan Bell.

At the L.I.G.H.T. Foundation, we believe native plants and pollinators are our relatives and that we should do all we can to protect and conserve their existence.  Please share with us a little about your roles and experiences in advocating for biodiversity and conservation of native plants and pollinators in ways which honor your traditions and cultural practices.  As former Communications Specialist for the CTCR Environmental Trust Department, I provided educational outreach at local elementary schools on and off the Colville Reservation, including the Nespelem Boys & Girls Club.    Since 2015, wildfires have burned over 700,000 acres of our Tribal lands.  Land where native plants once flourished became overrun with invasive weeds.  We also observed a decline in pollinators, which are essential for restoring native plant populations.   I visited schools to educate students on the critical role of pollinators in regenerating burn-scarred landscapes.  Students made seed bombs by rolling clay into small balls, rolling the ball in potting soil and native seeds.  Since 2021, several schools have participated in an Annual Field Day event, sponsored by Colville Tribes WSU Extension and the Natural Resources Department.  Students and teachers learn about native plants and how replanting native seeds contributes to healing the land.  The students take pride in seeing the seed bombs they distributed on the land turn into colorful plants.  

What would you say, is one of the accomplishments related to environmental or native plants/pollinators protection, restoration, or education which you are most proud of?  The Field Day activity has become an annual event eagerly anticipated by teachers and students.  It was honored with a National 4-H Environmental Award. Spending quality time with the students will be a memory that I will always cherish.

We can learn so much from our plant/pollinator relatives, they are like our teachers.  Are there any that have helped teach you about resilience and strength? Despite its small size, the hummingbird shows remarkable strength and speed. Unlike other birds, the hummingbird can fly backward, symbolizing resilience and independence. They are graceful and beautiful.

In honor of International Women's Day (3/8) and Women's History Month (March), L.I.G.H.T. Foundation is honoring the women who have inspired and motivated us - like you!  Is there a woman who has helped inspire your desire to protect and advocate for our native plant/pollinator relatives?   As a child, my grandmother, Mary Harbor Pierre, took me root digging.  She taught me the cultural and traditional significance of roots and plants. We gathered bitterroot, camas, Indian carrots, and potatoes.  These plants were vital sources of food and medicine for our people.  Rich in nutrients, these plants contributed to our overall health.  We honor these traditional foods (aka "first foods") at root and berry feasts to signify they are ready for harvest.  These ceremonies of native songs and prayers pay tribute to the plants that sustain us.

Are there any additional insights about your journey that you’d like to share with us?  Reflecting on my 66 years, I recognize that sharing knowledge with youth is essential for preserving our Tribal lands, culture, and traditions for future generations.  I learned from my grandmother that it is my responsibility to pass on this gifted knowledge.

Kathy, we cannot thank you enough for your ongoing leadership, dedication, and service to our Native Plant and Pollinators and all of Indian Country!  You are an inspiration, and we are fortunate to share your Voice.