GEOSCIENCE ALLIANCE 3: A CHANGING CLIMATE’S EFFECT ON RIVERS, ESTUARIES, OCEANS, FIRST FOODS, AND TRIBAL HEALTH

The third Geoscience Alliance national meeting, “GA3: A Changing Climate’s Effect on Rivers, Estuaries, Oceans, First Foods, and Tribal Health,” met in Portland, Oregon, March, 2015. The 116 attendees represented 48 different indigenous nations, and included tribal college and other students pursuing Earth and environmental science degrees, tribal college and research university faculty members, and cultural knowledge keepers.

The Geoscience Alliance (GA) is a national alliance of individuals committed to broadening pathways for Native students in geoscience and environmental science degree programs. Native Americans are underrepresented in the Geosciences despite ongoing efforts to provide pathways into geoscience careers, and with their increased participation a geoscience research agenda responsive to the unique priorities and values of Native communities can be forged.

Conference participants explored impacts of a changing climate on Indigenous Nations. Challenges discussed in talking circles included stresses on native food sources such as fish, wild rice, berries and other traditional foods; the impacts of floods, droughts and extreme temperatures on forests, wildlife, and communities; impacts from new invasive species; and impacts on human health, such as rising incidents of diseases such as diabetes, and risks from environmental toxins. Traditional dancers from the Náakw (Medicine) Tlingit dance group not only performed throughout the conference, but also participated fully in talking circles and unstructured discussions at mealtimes. A unique aspect of the conference was the knowledge sharing between cultural participants, Native students and faculty, and others in the science community. Participants were eager to discuss the challenges faced by tribal communities in dealing with changing climates and their impact on Native foods, natural resources and health. Attendees felt empowered by meeting others who are experiencing issues of being Native and traveling the path of education and science, while non-native participants gained a better understanding of the issues faced by tribal communities and Native students.