Take a Look at the Indigenous Science Camp for Youth at Sue-Meg State Park

This is a press release from Save California Salmon:

[Recently], Save California Salmon (SCS), in partnership with local Tribes and Tribally-led organizations, hosted a free Indigenous Science Camp at Sue-Meg State Park. The camp is part of the push to include native sciences, history, and cultural practices in classrooms in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Siskiyou County and to get native youth outdoors learning in a healthy and hands-on way. Over 80 people listened to presentations from Indigenous scientists, experts, and cultural practitioners and engaged in hands-on activities related to fisheries, ocean and fire management, as well as cultural activities such as weaving, carving, harvesting, and traditional dress making and salmon preparation.

“Indigenous science allows us to develop a healthy relationship to land that will aid in the climate crisis. It allows us to develop our role as stewards to the land and then use science to show that we are all connected to all aspects of life.” explains LeMonie Hutt, Hoopa Valley Tribal member and Indigenous education advocate. “For children especially, Indigenous science provides the comfort of a positive future.”

Events like this provide an example on how to teach Native STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and cultural exercises, while talking honestly about California’s history and the current ecological crisis. The camp highlighted that Indigenous ways of science are not separate from culture, and got youth outside in the environment to learn from their families and elders. Tribal leaders and scientists demonstrated that Indigenous people have always been, and continue to be, scientists and ecosystem managers. This work is critical due to recent reports that Humboldt County is failing native students.

“Camps and experiences like these are so important for our Indigenous youth. Seeing people just like us in all these successful positions is instrumental in our lives.” explains Danielle Frank, Hoopa Valley Tribal member and SCS Youth Coordinator. “Youth need to know we are the original scientists, our Traditional knowledge of the ecosystem is being backed by science. We want to make sure our youth feel like they belong in STEM related fields.”

Save California Salmon and the Yurok Tribe will also be hosting a Salmon Protectors’ Canoe Camp on August 21st after the Yurok Tribe’s Klamath Salmon Festival.