OPPORTUNITES FOR STATE GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS TO ENHANCE DIVERSITY THROUGH ENCOURAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF NATIVE AMERICAN GEOSCIENTISTS

State Geological Survey's cumulatively employ about 2,500 geologists, scientists, and support staff. But like many mature government agencies, state surveys often lack diversity, which can limit the pool of talented workers for both scientific and leadership positions. Native American students receive the least amount of earth science degrees (0.8%) of any minority group. Their low interest in earth sciences is an enigma, because Native American culture is closely tied to the land, and reservations are typically located in rural areas where native children have “hands on” outdoor experiences and are exposed to geology throughout their lives. One could assume that their recognition, experiences, and innate understanding of the interaction between the land, water, and physiography would be a natural magnet for attracting curious native students to develop careers in the geosciences. In addition, many reservation economies are resource-based, so knowledge of geoscience issues related to permitting, monitoring, and cleanup of mining operations or oil and gas production could be a valuable contribution to the tribe, as well as provide for a fulfilling career. One unique concern for native students when compared to other ethnic minorities is that they often have cultural, legal, and economic ties to their tribe, so there is a strong incentive to pursue a career that allows them to be gainfully employed on the reservation. Therefore, any interest in a geoscience career is likely to center on applied science, which would provide practical benefit for the tribe. As an example, we will highlight the unique geologic setting and related economic issues surrounding the Seneca Indian Reservation in western New York State. The reservation includes Salamanca, NY, which is the namesake of the Salamanca Reentrant. There has also been sand and gravel mining, historic oil and gas production, and archeological issues related to land swaps and the relocation of native population centers. These are typical geoscience issues where state geological surveys have often been engaged, so state surveys are well equipped to assist with the advancement of native students interested in the geosciences by providing opportunities for training, practical experience, and developing problem-solving skills through internships and employment.