Tribal Research
2. Dr. Deborah L. McGregor (Anishinaabe)
Dr. McGregor is an environmental scientist and academic known for her work on Indigenous environmental issues, particularly those related to water and sustainability. She is an Associate Professor at York University in Toronto, Canada, and has contributed extensively to research on Indigenous knowledge and environmental justice. Her work focuses on water governance, climate change, and the protection of natural resources within Indigenous communities.
3. Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer (Potawatomi)
Dr. Kimmerer is a biologist and the author of the bestselling book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. She is known for blending Indigenous knowledge with scientific principles and for her work in ecology and plant biology. Dr. Kimmerer advocates for a deeper understanding of the relationship between people and the environment, emphasizing the importance of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK).
4. Dr. Joni Adams-Ilika (Navajo)
Dr. Adams-Ilika is an environmental health scientist and public health advocate from the Navajo Nation. She has worked to address issues such as uranium contamination and radon exposure in the Navajo community, stemming from uranium mining in the region. Her research focuses on improving health outcomes related to environmental hazards, especially those affecting Native American communities.
5. Dr. Charlene L. Ziegler (Cherokee)
Dr. Ziegler is an environmental scientist who focuses on climate change, sustainability, and Indigenous land management. She works to bridge the gap between modern environmental science and traditional ecological knowledge in the context of Native American communities. Her research helps to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into environmental policy and conservation efforts.
Radon research is especially important in American Indian reservations where uranium mining and poor housing ventilation contribute to higher radon exposure risks. Indigenous women have been involved in advocacy, health research, and environmental studies related to radon, often working within tribal health departments, universities, and activist organizations.
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