Indigenous Arts and Sciences

Indigenous Arts and Sciences is a joint initiative between the

Bad River, Ho-Chunk, Lac Courte Oreilles, Lac du Flambeau, and Red Cliff Nations

and Earth Partnership

Indigenous Arts and Sciences (IAS) is a collaboration with Native Nations throughout Wisconsin, rooted in the widely-held Native values of respect, relationship, reciprocity, and responsibility. Through work with youth, families, communities, and teachers, IAS addresses the need for culturally relevant learning experiences and career exploration in the context of environmental education.

IAS emphasizes community, place, and culture in approaches to ecological restoration, with the goal of “Indigenizing” science education (a phrase used by IAS advisor Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer). Indigenized restoration education involves connections to traditional cultural wisdom, seasonal practices, and emphasizes learning from Tribal Elders. In addition to professional development for teachers, IAS involves youth programs that support family-school-community connections and seasonal community education events that highlight cultural traditions and environmental practices. IAS Coordinators in each partnering community coordinate with Education, Natural Resources, and other tribal departments to deliver educational opportunities year-round.

Indigenous Arts and Sciences is honored to work with the guidance of an esteemed Advisory Board. These Advisors are:

Dr. Megan Bang (Northwestern University, School of Education and Social Policy)

Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer (SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry; Center for Native Peoples and the Environment)

RunningHorse Livingston (Mathematize, Inc.)

Dr. Patty Loew (Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism; Center for Native American and Indigenous Research)

David O’Connor (WI Department of Public Instruction, American Indian Studies Program)