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Seed-based restoration of degraded landscapes in dryland systems often fails to result in desired revegetation. Locally specific strategies are needed to overcome barriers to native plant establishment. To meet these challenges, we convened a collaborative team that emphasis es relationship building, including scientists from the United States Geological Service (USGS), Colorado State University (CSU) and CSU Extension (CSUE) at the request of Ute Mountain Ute Chairman Heart to bring restoration research to Tribal lands in southwestern Colorado, USA. Our team has continued to focus on restoring ecosystem structure and function, imp roving productivity for grazing and ensuring access to cultural resources. In 2020, collaboration with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (UMUT) began, and two experimental sites were established: a USGS RestoreNet (Field Trial Network for Dryland Restoration) plot and a culturally important location for hyperlocal seed-based restoration questions and treatments rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. In the first phase, we explored local challenges and tested innovative approaches, informed by community input, Western scientific literature and traditional ecological knowledge. Using an intentionally scaled approach and rigorous scientific methods, the sites test climate-adaptive restoration treatments in 4-m2 plots including ground modifications, seeding vs. outplanting seedlings, herbicide treatments to suppress invasive species, and others. Preliminary results show effective restoration strategies include imprinting the landscape with pits, outplanted restoration islands and the importance of integrated invasive species management. Equally importantly, we have built relationships and met Tribal needs through education and outreach. Since 2020, we have gained insight into the challenges and successes of working collaboratively across a land-grant university, tribal government, governmental institutions and other community groups. By honouring different perspectives and expertise, we are creating actionable science and building relationships essential to the restoration, future grazing and long-term health of arid systems on Tribal lands.