Description
Science and Native American Communities: Legacies of Pain, Visions of Promise contains 18 papers presented at a conference organized by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium held at Colorado State University in June 1997. The theme of this conference was described as "finding ways to integrate Indian community goals, needs, and traditions with mainstream science and science education." The editor divides the book into five parts: education; culture; economic and community development; the land, the people, and science; and science and self-government. All contributors are experience Native professionals working in their respective fields. Three authors are from Canadian First Nations communities and the remainder represents various tribal affiliations throughout the United States. Presenters include Keith James, Cornel Pewewardy, Lillian Dyck, Clifton Poodry, Frank Dukepoo, Oscar Kawageley, Ofelia Zepeda, Gilbert John, James Lujan, Dean Howard Smith and Joseph S. Anderson, Gerri Shangreaux, Ron Jamieson, Freda Porter-Locklear, Jhon Goes in Center, Jane Mt. Pleasant, Reggie Crowshoe, George Thomas, and Cliff Atleo. They cover diverse topics such as Science and Self-Governance, Treaty Negotiation Process, The Three Sisters (agriculture), Geographic Information Systems, Water and Water Quality Issues, Promoting Development in Indian Communities, Community Health Care, Managing Tribal Assets, Rebuilding Languages to Revitalize Communities, Indigenous Consciousness, Promoting Academic Success, and the Value of Scientific and Engineering Training. Each section is prefaced with the editor's comments about the subtheme. In most papers the authors share their personal stories about their cultural and educational backgrounds. Overall the presenters stress the need for Native Americans and First Nations communities to control their relationship with science and education with a goal of benefiting their communities. The text includes an index and list of contributors. This is a readable and informative book for anyone interested in understanding the role of science and education in the lives of Native Americans and First Nations.