Research
Dissertation
Tsé Bitʼaʼí based
My research investigates how climate change and emerging agricultural technologies are transforming Indigenous food and farming systems across the CANZUS settler states—Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. By examining the intersection of Indigenous food systems and agricultural innovation, this project analyzes how technological tools and Indigenous cultural knowledge can operate in complementary ways to advance environmental sustainability, agricultural resilience, and responses to climate‑related and food‑system challenges.
A central premise of this work is that community‑driven approaches and culturally responsive practices are essential for ensuring that technology functions as a mechanism of empowerment rather than displacement within Indigenous communities. To explore these dynamics in depth, I focus on the Navajo Nation, where Indigenous farmers and Native‑led agricultural organizations are actively adapting to climate change, engaging with agricultural technologies, and articulating the cultural, governance, and relational principles that underpin Diné food sovereignty and Indigenous data sovereignty.
This research documents community‑defined priorities within Diné food and agriculture systems, including the knowledge, values, and lived experiences that guide decision‑making. The findings will inform the development of community‑based, actionable recommendations and policy options for tribal leaders. More broadly, this project seeks to understand how diverse Indigenous communities are navigating rapid environmental and technological shifts and to identify emerging best practices that support sustainable, resilient Indigenous food and data futures.
Projects
Nurturing Plants Project
This project is a community-led sustainability initiative that promotes food security, Indigenous food sovereignty, and Indigenous data sovereignty through hands-on hydroponic education grounded in Diné knowledge. By integrating agriculture technology, hydroponics, with Diné knowledge, the project empowers participates to cultivate self-sustaining food systems that honors Diné cultural values, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing.
Ketoh: Teaching Indigenous Data Sovereignty & Governance on the San Juan River
This project engages local Indigenous communities (youth & elder) in understanding and practicing Indigenous data sovereignty and governance through land- and water-based experiences. River rafting provides the opportunity for Indigenous communities to reconnect with their ancestors' waters and reassert their rights to self-determination and data sovereignty.
Past, Present and Future Indigenous Data Sovereignty Needs in Agriculture
A working group with Indigenous farmers, food producers and scholars to assess the data landscape and needs of Indigenous farmers. This project is developing policy briefings for the convening conducting among farmers. Two policy briefings will be disseminated.
Indigenous Perspectives on Biobanking, Specimen Storage, and Data Governance
This project focuses on conducting a scoping review to explore biobanks, specimen storage, and data governance in CANZUS countries.
Growing Data Stewards: Indigenous Data Sovereignty & Governance Curriculum Development
This project, we developed an Indigenous data sovereignty & governance curriculum to teach to Indigenous scholars, professionals, and community members the the Collaboratory for Indigenous Data Governance.