- Working With Fire To counteract climate change and decades of wrongheaded federal policy, Native nations must become active participants in the stewardship of America’s forests, according to a new report.
- Building a Stronger Nation With Soft Materials Navajo Technical University’s collaboration with Harvard in materials research and science education is allowing students to pursue research that addresses real-world needs of the Navajo Nation
- Dakota in Dubai For Indigenous peoples, the United Nations might be the belly of the colonial beast, but that’s where decisions affecting the future of Native nations are being made. “If we are not at the table, we are on the menu,” argues Victor Carmen Lopez, who attended the COP28 climate conference.
- A Nation of Scientists When a river flowing through the Navajo Nation turned toxic from the 2015 Gold King Mine spill, scientists turned to tribal members for help. The resulting Diné Exposure Project is now being studied as a model of community engaged research.
- Building Confidence STEM students featured in a new Native Science Report video talk about overcoming barriers and setbacks
Field Notes
- New Funding Opportunities for Tribes and Tribal Colleges During a May 7 webinar, representatives of multiple federal agencies shared information about programs supporting student research, climate science and clean energy, among other opportunities
- ND Research Symposium Gains National Stature The 10th annual Tribal College Research Symposium, held late April in Bismarck, attracted over 100 participants from more than a dozen TCUs and mainstream universities
- TCUs Invited to Climate Change Grant Information Session Hosted by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the May 7 online event will share information about grant opportunities from six federal agencies
- “Extinct” Mexican Tribe Fights for Access to Sacred Mountain The Caxcan tribe of central Mexico is barred from carrying out traditional ceremonies on a mountain that the Mexican government now promotes as a tourist site. How tribal members are working to gain recognition and access to its ancestral land is explored in a new book.
- Algal Blooms Threaten Traditional Shellfish Harvesting in Alaska Native Alaskans are at greater risk of deadly shellfish poisoning. In response, tribes are running their own testing program. A new study examines the outcomes.
- Finding a Path to Clean Energy The recently held Workshop on Convergent Clean Energy Research explored opportunities and challenges faced by tribes working to develop renewable energy resources.
Student Research
Native Science Report’s 2023-2024 Student Research Showcase is featuring the work of five undergraduate students from tribal and Native-serving colleges.
Voices
- Dakota in Dubai For Indigenous peoples, the United Nations might be the belly of the colonial beast, but that’s where decisions affecting the future of Native nations are being made. “If we are not at the table, we are on the menu,” argues Victor Carmen Lopez, who attended the COP28 climate conference.
- Bridging Science and Tradition From running a Covid testing center to mentoring students analyzing the healing properties of traditional medicines, Dr. Irene A. Anyangwe, professor of biology and microbiology at Navajo Technical University, is finding ways to address the most pressing needs of the Navajo Nation.
- Architects of Progress Cutting edge research is at the heart of Navajo Technical University’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing. “It’s not just about making parts,” says Director Scott Halliday