Heritage Staff: Science in Action

Heritage scientists and Yakama Nation fisheries scientists demonstrated the need for preserving and protecting habitat for natural species of the Yakama Nation and its surrounding ecosystems.  It was thrilling to witness the comradery already developing, as the students learned by witnessing and conducting data collection tactics.  It is stressing to all creatures that scientists study...sometimes fish are pulled out of the river, macro invertebrates are collected, or mice are studied to inform us of safe practice and policy.  The students used binoculars, unobtrusive traps, and soil testers out in the field, with great enthusiasm!







  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

People of the Big River, first day!

Image
“People of the Big River” continues to surprise me!   Heritage University has as amazing potential for teaching new students about environmental issues in the Indigenous Nations.   This year is highlighted by an adventure into Yakama Nation’s closed area.   Students very respectfully absorb the teachings of Yakama tribal members who have lived and worked in this environmental sector for years.   Doug Olney has graciously assisted our staff in guiding our potential future leaders a pathway into a new era of education toward sustainability. It’s crazy.   All the preparations that I had made for this trip seemed to wither away, as the day to leave came like a March wind!   I’m glad that our tribal leaders allowed this portion of the trip to take place.   The kids from White Swan are eager to travel and see new things.
Read more

Yakama Nation: Preserving culture and resources

Image
My memory brought me back to years ago (in the early 70’s) when my family camped in teepees and brought old huckleberry baskets made by my great-grandmother.   Like an old basket, woven with love and care, our minds have many guarded memories about our closed areas.   There are enrolled members of youth who have amazing leadership potential, who must realize how precariously our ecosystems exist.   Our closed areas guard and protect sacred sites that the tribe protects by preserve their existence.
Read more