BETWEEN TWO WORLDS: SWINOMISH INDIGENOUS SCIENCE PROGRAM FOR TRIBAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO LEARN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP FROM A SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE

Traditional Swinomish culture relies on water dependent livelihoods in the Salish Sea, centered on the Swinomish Reservation near La Conner, Washington. A common saying at Swinomish is “when the tide is out, the table is set”; Subsistence shellfish harvests are common and Swinomish people call themselves the “People of the Salmon.” Without a clear understanding of the interconnectedness of nature, and a sense of stewardship over the land, our natural resources and traditional lifeways may be threatened.

Between Two Worlds is a youth education program to give Swinomish high school students a greater appreciation of the land and environment and provide them with the cultural and scientific tools to be good stewards. Program goals are to (1) provide experiential learning to students in indigenous science with an option to earn high school credit; (2) foster the next generation of stewards; and, (3) expose youth to Tribal role models and tribal careers in STEM. Broader objectives include strengthening relationships within the community, learning, sharing, and archiving traditional knowledge, and providing tools to help our people work both in and outside our tribal community. By teaching traditional indigenous science, modern technology, and environmental issues, we hope to help repair the trauma Indigenous people have experienced over generations. The program also helps at-risk students gain science credit for graduation through an innovative partnership with the local school district, a need identified by the Tribal education department.

When classes are held in person, each teaching unit includes classroom-style education and field data collection for educational/illustrative purposes, with curricula and activities that integrate science and culture. Field activities occur at local beaches, forests, and estuaries of historic and cultural value to the Tribe, consistent with traditional place-based values. With the switch to online learning due to the pandemic, units were adjusted to school schedules and online learning and engagement techniques while continuing to emphasize program goals. Curriculum will be archived for future use for Swinomish educators or other tribal communities hoping to institute similar programs.