The environment drives many conversations about what it means to be human and how to live in our world today. Indigenous peoples have protected their environments since time immemorial and continue to in the face of climate change. Yet their work is seldomly acknowledged. This talk will outline the rapidly growing academic field of Indigenous Environmental Studies. It will shed light on the origins of European ecological sciences and their connections to imperialism and encourage the audience to grapple with those legacies today. Dr. Natasha Myhal from the School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) will discuss the Indigenous Environmental Studies courses created for SENR, highlighting the benefits of diverse perspectives and diverse ways of experiencing the world in conversations about the environment. To move forward in a new and equitable way, Indigenous solutions and voices need to be front and center.
Learn more about Understanding the History of Ecology and Imperialism