Weaving Western and Indigenous Sciences in Wildlife Conservation
Many knowledge systems in shared purpose as we come together for wildlife and ways of life.
Our Mission
The Wildlife, Environmental Stewardship and Indigenous Peoples (WESIP) Lab creates space where wildlife science, Indigenous Peoples, and knowledge systems come together in practice. We conduct wildlife research in conventional and Indigenous contexts. We use field, laboratory, and molecular ecology approaches in collaboration with a wide range of partners. Central to our work are intentional partnerships with Indigenous communities, advancing conservation through community-driven work and Indigenous Knowledges. WESIP works to support effective, collaborative wildlife conservation.
Our Values
Grad student, Destiny, and our PI with representatives from the Hopi Tribe Department of Natural Resources
Scat sample collection for Sierra Nevada red fox project in Oregon
Traditional food gathering, part of the cultural knowledge central to our lab's approach
Graduate student, Salix, and our PI, at The Wildlife Society national meeting
Our PI with Tribal leadership at Cal Poly Pomona and the Tongva Nation
Scat sample with bones for molecular scatology project on Yurok lands
Graduate student, Destiny, presenting at the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society national meeting
Bear grass wraps on a ceremonial dress in-progress
Fish on sticks, Yurok Country
Grad student, Destiny, placed in the student poster session at the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society national meeting
Maple bark gathered to make a traditional skirt and harvested culturally important plant
Our PI with her plaque as the recipient of the Biologist of the Year national award at the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society meeting
With Gratitude
Thank You to Our Supporters, Including:
Redwood National and State Parks
Wildlife and Ecosystem Management Program, Hopi Tribe
Mammalian Ecology and Conservation Unit, U.C. Davis
Southwestern Mountains Climate Resilience Center, Northern Arizona University
Sloan Scholars Network
Yurok Tribe
Support Our Mission
Interested in supporting WESIP's mission to conserve wildlife and their habitats, and uplift Indigenous Peoples and Knowledges? Your donation will directly impact our ability to connect with communities, train students in field and lab methods, conduct science and outreach, and disseminate our work.
To make a secure contribution directly to our lab, click the button below, then search for our lab name or fund number and follow the prompts.
Lab Name: Wildlife, Environmental Stewardship and Indigenous Peoples Lab
Fund Number: 5834