Using Science to Explore Our Paths: Western Science With Native Perspective
Authors (in alphabetical order): Tyler R. Auck, Tiffany C. Cooke, L. Wayne Crue, Jessica M. Martinez, Carol K. Perkins, Peyton Sequints, Zach E.
Wadsworth, Olivia Yokoyama
(Advisors: Dr. Colden V. Baxter and Sammy L. Matsaw Jr. at Idaho State University)
Statement of Problem and Approach – Proportionately, there is a shortage of Native Americans in higher education
and more so in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The Native Americans in STEM
internship program is fairly new to Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho. Many programs like this are based on
simple models of exposing students to STEM. However, we are digging deeper to develop a model that incorporates
direction, purpose and long-term vision that weaves together Traditional Knowledge with Western science. Here we
present the developments of our efforts thus far.
Example 1. Research in which we are participating is
addressing the problem of conserving fish and wildlife
and preserving natural habitats. For example, the
conservation of genetic populations of westslope
cutthroat trout populations are important to the
biodiversity of life. Such conservation is also important to
our subsistence and cultural activities and technology.
S.T.E.M.
Learn how to address
problems important to
Native communities
through science,
technology, engineering
and mathematics.
Legacies
Renew our legacies by
passing on our knowledge
and expertise within our
families and to our tribal
communities.
Example 2. We are participating in research aimed at improving
understanding the role of sagebrush in ecosystems of our region.
Native sagebrush is being lost, and many other organisms are
dependent on this plant. For example, many insects (like the
praying mantis above) make the sagebrush ecosystem their home.
In addition, white sage is important ecologically and we use it for
medicinal purposes in many of our ceremonies.
Acknowledgements - We thank Ernest Keeley, Janet Loxterman, Heather
Bechtold, Jennifer Cornell, Masa Takahashi, Richard Inouye and the lab
members of the ISU Stream Ecology Center, Fish Ecology Lab, and Molecular
Research Core Facility. We also extend our appreciation to our immediate
families and our tribes. Funding for the internship program comes from the
National Science Foundation, Idaho EPSCoR grant (EPS 08-14387).
Traditional
Knowledge
Relating Native
perspectives to
contemporary science, we
are striving to achieve
better solutions to
environmental issues.
Example 3. We have been researching the effects of
nutrient pollution on stream ecosystems. Clean streams
are not only important because they provide habitat for
aquatic organisms, but it is also important in our
spiritual lives because it represents life and is highly
respected as essential to our health.
Health &
Protection
Awareness of problems
that are directly related to
protection and health of
our people and culture.
Goals and Vision – Our short term goal is that our STEM intern program will
create a path that will help inspire others to follow. Our program is guided
by faculty at ISU, along with a Native graduate student, but as
undergraduates we also mentor high school student interns--building a
close knit tribal group on campus, learning and practicing science. In the
long-term, our vision is to develop understanding that intertwines
traditional knowledge with new lines of science expertise. We are
passionate, rightful owners of traditional use areas for time immemorial,
but we need new understanding and leadership to reclaim stewardship. We
hope to establish means for sharing and passing on our understanding and
new-found expertise to future generations in our families and communities.