Research
Dissertation
Tsé Bitʼaʼí based
My research examines how agricultural technologies are transforming Indigenous food systems in communities across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States (CANZUS) countries, and seeks to understand how these communities experience and adapt to these changes. The intersection of Indigenous food systems and agriculture technology, has inference for understanding how both technological innovations and cultural knowledge and practices can complement one another for environmental sustainability, agriculture sustainability, and potentially addressing climate challenges and food challenges. Highlighting the importance of community-driven approaches and culturally responsive practices in Indigenous communities will hopefully inform that technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than displacement. I intend to understand how different communities are navigating these shifts and what best practices are emerging and needed to support a sustainable and resilient Indigenous food and data futures.
Projects
Nurturing Plants Project
This project is a community-led sustainability initiative that promotes food security, Indigenous food sovereignty, and Indigenous data sovereignty through hands-on hydroponic education grounded in Diné knowledge. By integrating agriculture technology, hydroponics, with Diné knowledge, the project empowers participates to cultivate self-sustaining food systems that honors Diné cultural values, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing.
Ketoh: Teaching Indigenous Data Sovereignty & Governance on the San Juan River
This project engages local Indigenous communities (youth & elder) in understanding and practicing Indigenous data sovereignty and governance through land- and water-based experiences. River rafting provides the opportunity for Indigenous communities to reconnect with their ancestors' waters and reassert their rights to self-determination and data sovereignty.
Past, Present and Future Indigenous Data Sovereignty Needs in Agriculture
A working group with Indigenous farmers, food producers and scholars to assess the data landscape and needs of Indigenous farmers. This project is developing policy briefings for the convening conducting among farmers. Two policy briefings will be disseminated.
Indigenous Perspectives on Biobanking, Specimen Storage, and Data Governance
This project focuses on conducting a scoping review to explore biobanks, specimen storage, and data governance in CANZUS countries.
Growing Data Stewards: Indigenous Data Sovereignty & Governance Curriculum Development
This project, we developed an Indigenous data sovereignty & governance curriculum to teach to Indigenous scholars, professionals, and community members the the Collaboratory for Indigenous Data Governance.