November 18, 2014, 12 noon in 56-614

"Sustainability Science and Indigenous Research Methods: Protecting Wabanaki Basketmaking Traditions from the Emerald Ash Borer"

Abstract:

Wabanaki (Micmac, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki) tribal basketmaking traditions use brown ash trees as their primary source material.  Thisresource is threatened by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive pest from China, first found in North America near Detroit in 2002.  In this talk, Dr. Darren Ranco will discuss his five year research project to work with basketmakers and other key stakeholders to prepare for the arrival of this pest in Maine.  He will discuss how his team used both sustainability science and indigenous research methods to do research that was inclusive, relevant, impactful, and culturally appropriate for the research partners.  He will emphasize the critical intersections between these seemingly very differentresearch traditions, both of which emphasize personal and societal transformation and healing.

Speaker:

Darren J. Ranco PhD

Chair of Native American Programs

Associate Professor of Anthropology

Coordinator of Native American Research

University of Maine