The first-ever workshop will feature presentations from local and national experts on the application of TEK to natural resource management. TEK is an academic term that refers to knowledge of local environmental resources obtained by extensive experience and observation, often passed down through oral tradition among indigenous populations.
“Our goal is to educate students, faculty, staff, local professionals and the public about traditional ecological knowledge,” said HSU Wildlife Management Professor and event organizer Matt Johnson. “We also want to spark conversations and future collaboration on natural resource management that respects Native cultures and traditions.”
Tribal members, resource managers, biologists, foresters, HSU students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. HSU students can enroll in an optional course, NR 480, to receive one university credit for attending.
Featured speakers include Frank Lake, Research Ecologist for the U.S. Forest Service; Henry Huntington, Arctic Science Director for the Pew Environment Group and Charlene Storr a local storyteller of Tolowa and Maidu descent. Lecture topics include applying TEK to resource management in Alaska, TEK of culturally significant wildlife on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation and the northern recovery effort of the California condor. Lectures from 9 a.m. to noon will be held in the Black Box Theatre of Gist Hall. Lectures from noon to 4 p.m. will take place in the Native American Forum of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Building.
The event is co-sponsored by HSU’s Wildlife Department and the Indian Natural Resource Science & Engineering Program. Additional funding has been provided by the departments of Fisheries, Forestry, Environmental Science & Management, the Colleges of Natural Resources & Sciences and Arts Humanities & Social Sciences, the Environment & Community program, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, and the Undergraduate Research & Mentoring in Biological Sciences Program.
For a full schedule and speaker bios, visit http://www.humboldt.edu/tek or call 707.826.3953.