Educator's Guide to American Indian Perspectives in Natural Resources

The Educator's Guide to American Indian Perspectives in Natural Resources: contains information from two noted authors and addresses issues, attitudes, and practices of our Native Indian society relative to environmental and natural resources topics. It blends traditional native ecological knowledge with western science and important background information influencing tribal use and management of natural resources.

The manual poses a series of questions developed by teachers on key topics whose answers are designed to help Non-Native Americans in teaching about Native American perspectives. The Manual answers the following questions:

1. What is the rationale for including Native perspectives into a natural resource program?
2. What are some of the similarities and differences among tribes?
3. What is sovereignty? What are some of the laws and treaties between the tribes and the U.S. government that determine the use and management of natural resources?
4. What are some similarities and differences between the historical and modern use and management of natural resources by tribes?
5. What are the current conflicts within and among tribes regarding management practices today?
6. What are some differences between scientific and Native American ways of knowing or understanding of the environment?
7. Did low population densities affect the historical use and management of resources? How do current population stresses affect tribal use and management practices?
8. In what ways can tribal approaches to natural resource management be applied to the large landscapes, large populations, and large urban centers of our society today?
9. What are the best and most appropriate ways to partner with local tribes? What ethical considerations may be necessary?

With the information provided in authors' responses to the above questions and the resources cited at the end of the manual, educators should feel empowered to include the perspective of our native population into their school programs. Suggestions for establishing contact with local tribes are also included. Such contact can make an even more complete experience for students. Although the manual was developed primarily for secondary education educators, it contains significant information appropriate for use by college faculty.

About the authors

Frank Kanawha Lake: A mixed blood Native American and Mexican American, Frank brings a rich heritage in knowledge of historical and current tribal approaches to manage the environment. As a fisheries biologist he has gained practical experience in both Native American and U.S. Forest Service current management practices. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Science at Oregon State University

Dennis Martinez: A 34-year veteran of programs in ecological restoration and forestry, Dennis is a leading author, teacher, and consultant to indigenous tribal peoples supporting their efforts in cultural and ecological restoration. As a noted expert in linking Indian and non-Native approaches to environmental management he as worked with tribal councils, private forestry companies, government agencies, and foundations in management and preservation of natural ecosystems.

Guide download or request a hardcopy (2.2 MB)

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Curriculum produced by NCSR. Funding Provided by the National Science Foundation.