International narratives regarding climate change adaptation, forest restoration, water security, and biodiversity conservation increasingly recognize that traditional ecological knowledges are critical for conserving biodiversity and adapting to a changing climate; however, decision making and agenda setting remain almost exclusively grounded in the Western epistemologies that reinforce complex power dynamics and subjugate Indigenous peoples and their knowledges. Despite strong correlation between Indigenous community-managed lands and areas prioritized for restoration, procedural and recognitional injustices continue to limit Indigenous participation in agenda-setting for conservation projects within their territories. This in large part is due to imposed colonial paradigms of land ownership. Without formal recognition of their nations, Indigenous nations do not hold global title to their Land or administer finances, two prerequisites for participation in large international restoration, conservation, and climate change adaptation funds. The Tinker Field Research grant provided me with funds that are critical to advance two immediate research goals. The first was to travel to meet community members in person so that I can begin to develop and strengthen relationships with the diverse community members who participate in biocultural restoration of their territories. The second was to host a series of participatory mapping workshops and ethnobotanical transect walks with these community members and design, with consensus, a plan for documenting their vision. The results from this initial research will inform a chapter of my dissertation and have laid the foundation for a more in-depth study that I will do in the coming year with my partners. In addition to these important academic outcomes, I am preparing documents that will be used by my community partners to advance their territorial planning and organizing efforts.
Abstract:
Publication date:
October 31, 2025
Publication type:
Student Research
