From a political standpoint…What is diversity? How does NSF look at diversity?
What does “political” mean? What are politics?
Why be politically active?
Climate change? Political future?
Growing sense of urgency to become involved with climate change issues
We need Native people at the table
Native worldviews have been historically suppressed. Native participation in science is inherently political.
Broadening Native participation of Native Americans because geosciences is part of what influences policy making.
If a large segment of Native Americaqns becomes more involved in creating certain kinds of policy (environment, education, economics) there WILL be major changes!
Having political voice can shape educational policy
Tribal individuals are often dismissed when approaching authorities- need to be educated (credentialed) in order to be heard
Once the populous is educated: how do we move into leadership?
We need to be heard when it’s time to put things to a vote
Sovereign nations, how can this help our political voices?
Political agendas influence funding: policies-politics
How to handle research in native communities so that community retains its voice as opposed to being used (mined) for its resources
Do the goals of the projects mesh with the goals/strategic plan of the community
Effectiveness of programs to communities
Communities can’t get up and move
How do we protect native knowledge and meet funding parameters?
Need members who can speak knowledgably
Scientific literacy
Need critical mass
RESPECT bill: proper consultation before action, currently the bill is stalled
How native communities have addressed leadership issues in other fields?:
Medical field
Education
INMED, INOSYCH…programs like this….professional societies?
Can we get a geosciences equivalent to HIS scholarships?
Pay native students to study geosciences, then require them to work for tribes/communities: Hydrology? Air quality? Land use? Reclamation?