Science is Ceremony 2021

Indigenous Youth Researcher Academy

The intent of the Science is Ceremony Program is to foster in Indigenous students an empowering understanding of the rapidly changing world in which we live through a multidisciplinary approach to science as Indigenous Peoples. Facing increased fall out of climate crisis, societal impact on the environment requires vigorous study in order to identify solutions that ensure the sustainability of the world's environments using traditionally informed Indigenous ecological knowledge systems.

This program is dedicated to the self-determination of Indigenous youth as environmental scientists, ecosystem advocates, and descendants of the original caretakers of sacred lands. 

Understanding our connections to land as Indigenous Peoples' is critical when beginning to understand the landscape in which we are visitors to.This map depicts all of our students and staffs original homelands.

MIGHTY NETWORKS STORYTELLING

For the entirety of the program, students have been documenting their experiences in the form of stories through Mighty Networks. The goal of this project is to motivate students to story-keep during their future endeavors by teaching them the importance of Indigenous story-sharing practices. Passing down story allows us to share knowledge with the next generation.


On week 1, biologist and council member Mathew Teutimez from the Gabrielino Kizh Tribe accompanied us on a hike to Earnest E. Debs Regional Park. He shared many teachings with us about invasive and native plants, ecosystem maintenance, and medicinal/creative uses for natural resources on the mountain. He emphasized the importance as Indigenous Peoples to maintain relationships with traditional lands and waterways in this case Otsuugna (El Sereno) and the Los Angeles River.

Matthew Teutimez presenting on the first day of the Science is Ceremony Program


On week 2, students participated in a Kiiy restoration in Audobon Center at Debs Park with the guidance and support of Tima Link (Chumash). Tima Link expressed the importance of watersheds and the ancestral relationships her community has with the animals and plants that are dependent on those riparian environments. They shared with our students the importance of conservation as Indigenous Peoples, hence why the students were guided to use Mexican Fan Palms (Washingtonia robusta) instead of the traditionally used TuleTule, like many other native flora, are harder to find and harvest in a way that isn't extractive and detrimental to its surrounding environment, so instead Tima Link opts for a plant that is more readily available to produce cultural items in a sustainably Indigenous way.

SIC students replacing old Tule reed with Mexican fan palm leaves during the Kiiy restoration with cultural knowledge keeper, Tima Link.


Week 3

Week 3 was all about scientific inquiry. Students learned how to collect data, conduct data analysis, create environmental maps, ask scientific questions, develop hypothesis, conduct scientific experiments, and more. Research autonomy, from data collection to final presentation, is critical to our communities who face disproportionate environmental impacts.

Week 4

On week 4, students learned about different processes and fields that encompass Environmental science. Some of the topics they covered in class were the hydrologic cycle, geology, botany, environmental methodologies, and more.

Getting to know the landscape

Students learned that the most important part about being an environmental scientist is their connection to the land.

Mapping Green Spaces

Students learned about the importance of green spaces in urban environments. They learned how to map their communities and envision another world filled with natural landscapes.

The Scientific Method

Students learned how to ask important questions based off of observational experimentation.

Environmental Methodologies

Students built their own quadrats and learned how to use scientific field equipment such as transects, flags, quadrats, DBH tape, and more.

Botany: Plant Identification

Students learned about the anatomy of plants and the importance of mindful and traditional harvesting when collecting samples for botanical research.

Scientific Inquiry

Students measured their reaction times using rulers and the different senses of the human body.

Water Analysis

Students studied the chemical components of the schools water. They tested for lead, hardness, pH, chlorine, nitrite, nitrate, copper, iron, and bacteria.


Week 5: Rapid Research, Soil and Water at the Audubon Center at Debs Park

Soil study group before heading out for field data collection.

Soil Study

Study comparing microorganisms in the soil found in native and non-native plant biomes. For this study, students focused on the native Takápe Wáshut, black walnut (Juglans nigra) and white horehound (Marrubium vulgare). Students took multiple soil samples using a soil core tool under both Takápe and M. vulgare, then used microscopes to find and identify microorganisms in the soil samples. All soil samples were returned back to their original place.

SIC student collecting a water sample.

Water Study

Study comparing water health between Peanut lake and the small ponds of the Audubon Center. For this study, students collected multiple water samples from both Peanut lake and the small pond found at the Audubon Center. Students then conducted water analysis on each sample. This analysis consisted of testing for hardness, lead, copper, nitrate, nitrite, alkalinity, chlorine, hardness, and bacteria. All water samples were returned back to the lake and ponds.


Wishtoyo Chumash Village

Setting up our living spaces for the next week.

Community cooking.

Ferry ride to Limuw Island.

Pelicans, rocks and salt water.

Kayaking cave tour on the shores of Limuw.

Elderberry processing... Jam!

Yucca cordage making.

Visiting Chumash waterways.

Wildlife spotting and documenting.

Using our home-made quadrats to collect data in Wishtoyo.

Students become teachers - guiding parents through Wishtoyo grounds.

Saying our 'see you soons' and 'farewells' - until next time!

Final Research Presentations and Closing Ceremony


Group Research Presentations

Study looking at the native and non-native birds of Wishtoyo and the environment that they depend on for sustenance. This study, was conducted through observational data collected from 4 - 6 AM with the guidance and identification of resident water ecologist and experienced ornithologist, Tevin Schmitt of the Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation.

Observational study, looking at the plant community and biodiversity of the restored riparian habitat zone at Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation. This study relied on transect data sampling of native and non-native plants alongside the Wishtoyo Creek. This study also compared native, riparian communities found in Wishtoyo and Nicholas Canyon State Beach.

Comparative study focused on differences in green space availability and air quality between Wishtoyo located in Malibu, California and the Audubon Center at Debs Park located in Otsuugna (El Sereno).

Study looking at the populations of mammals at the Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation. This study was conducted through observational data sampling using trail cams and research grade observations from INaturalist.

This comparative research study focused on plant species richness, soil depth and the amount of microorganisms in the soil. The research was conducted in restored and non-conserved land. Using a soil core, multiple soil samples were taken in the restored and non-conserved land. Students compared the data collected from the two different areas. Students also compared the percent of native and non-native plant species richness, as well as the percent of bare ground. 

The impact of cultural burns within indigenous communities in California 

The study researched the cultural and environmental impacts of cultural/prescribed burns within California. In the study research was conducted through oral interviews and literature review. The student interviewed 2 Chumash tribal members, and 1 Yurok, Karuk, and Hupa tribal member. Interviews were conducted through zoom and/or in person. Offerings and gifts were given to participants and people who were asked to be interviewed. 


SCIENCE IS CEREMONY SUMMER 2021

Science is Ceremony 2021

OUR TEAM

 Anahuacalmecac World School  Directors: Minnie Ferguson (Director of Education, Masewalli Mexicana) and Marcos Aguilar (Executive Director, Masewalli Mexicano)

 Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation  cultural advisors: Mati Waiya (Wishtoyo Founder & Executive Director, ceremonial elder, dolphin dancer of the Santa Clara River Turtle Clan, and enrolled member of the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation), Luhui Isha (Cultural Resources Director, Mexica and Chumash of the Sanja Cota Clan), Uncle Johnny Moreno (Chumash Elder, Šmuwič Language Instructor and Storyteller), Auntie Mena Moreno (Elder and Storyteller, Pueblo, Mexica, Chumash), Mia Lopez (Education and Cultural Resources Associate, Vice Chair of the Coastal Band of Chumash Nation, Limuw Islander descendent), and Kelli Lopez (Chumash Youth and Cultural Ambassador)

Kizh Kitc Gabrieleños ( Kizh Nation Gabrieleño Band Of Mission Indians ) cultural advisors: Matthew Teutimez (Tribal member and biologist) and Andrew Salas (Tribal Chairperson)

Program Coordinator: Ary Sanchez-Amaya, Environmental Science and Conservation Biology (UCLA)

Native Science Instructors: Kokonow Kinney (Biology and American Indian Studies, UCLA), Melody Satele (Environmental Studies, UCLA), Miranda Vega (Environmental Science, ASU), Tekpatl Kuauhtzin (American Indian Studies and Environmental Studies, UCLA), Venezia Ramirez (Environmental Science and Earth Systems, UCLA), and Arantxa Sanchez (Administrative Aide)

Anahuacalmecac International University Preparatory of North America

Photographs

Tekpatl Kuauhtzin and Science is Ceremony Staff

Stories

Tekpatl Kuauhtzin and Ary Sanchez-Amaya

Matthew Teutimez presenting on the first day of the Science is Ceremony Program

Soil study group before heading out for field data collection.

SIC student collecting a water sample.