A Conversation on Indigenous Sciences and Environmental Conservation with Andie Albert

In today’s interview, Andie Albert and I sit down in person for a great conversation. Andie an Indigenous scientist with a passion for environmental science and species at risk conservation, she shares her journey from being the first in her family to pursue post-secondary education to embarking on a PhD. She discusses the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge and languages into academic research and conservation practices, aiming to decolonize academia and promote a holistic, two-eyed seeing approach.

Andie also discusses her work with endangered species such as the spiny softshell turtle, emphasizing the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of Indigenous perspectives and practices in conservation and environmental sciences. 

My conversation with Andie was very uplifting and navigated challenging topics which I knew little about before our conversation. I genuinely enjoyed our conversation as Andie is a peer and fellow MES program graduate. Her success in academia and indigenous advocacy is inspiring, especially since she is so young. I am looking forward to seeing what other wonderful things Andie will do in the future. 

 

Show notes

 01:40 The Importance of Simplicity in Communication

02:53 Andy's Personal and Educational Journey

03:20 The Balance of Traditional and Scientific Knowledge

05:06 The Intersection of Faith and Indigenous Culture

05:06 Andy's PhD Journey and Research Focus

06:33 The Concept of Two-Eyed Seeing

09:33 The Challenges and Opportunities in Indigenous Conservation

13:28 Andy's Future Research Plans

29:05 Learning About Different Species

29:53 Indigenous-led Conservation Initiatives

30:13 Discovering Environmental Science Careers

31:30 The Indigenous Guardians Program

33:38 The Role of Indigenous Guardians in Education

39:23 The Impact of Indigenous Perspectives in Science

40:00 Celilo Falls

48:30 The Journey to a PhD

51:27 The Hope for Increasing Species Populations

52:35 Prothonotary Warbler

53:03 The Future of Indigenous Education