GEOSCIENCE, COMMUNITY AND INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES (Invited Presentation)

Indigenous communities are one of the first and most impacted communities that are affected by environmental issues such as climate change, food and water security. Many of these communities are advocating for themselves by incorporating their opinions, expertise, worldviews and informing the scientific community through collaborative efforts and research practices.

However, conducting research with and in Indigenous communities requires an understanding of cultural competency and relevancy which is the origin of knowledge. Indigenous knowledge is grounded in connectedness to the land or a sense of place. For myself this is Diné Science.

Growing up as a child connected to the land through living, prayers, songs and traditional teachings has grounded me with concepts that has furthered my research. And the approaches and frameworks that I use to learn more about the concerns of environmental health and health disparities in my community.

As an Indigenous scientist, instructor in earth & environmental science, it is clear the creating an educational and research space that encompasses a respectful, inclusive and ethical approach to geoscience education and research is of greatest importance. Through multiple collaborative projects held in conjunction with Indigenous communities, Tribal Colleges and community stakeholders, these efforts are proving to be successful and supportive of Indigenous communities.