Pathways for Accelerating Change in Social Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in STEM Curricula

Historical inequities placed American Indians and Alaska Natives in the headlights of the oncoming Covid-19 epidemic.  Vulnerability was greatly increased by the lack of infrastructure for key services like water, housing, electricity, broadband access and educational facilities and by underlying health conditions.  Initial impacts of the virus predicted a devastating future, especially from the potential loss of elders.  Multiple agencies and organizations involved in Native American health began to mobilize but credible, coordinated data was lacking for important actions like contact tracing.  Despite these obstacles and continuing unequal losses, Tribes rose up with effective innovations through the strength of culture, trust and self-governance by asserting their sovereign rights. Through these means they developed unique and effective responses.

his case study examines a variety issues arising from illegal pesticide application by a non Native landowner intended to kill black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) within the external borders of Standing Rock Reservation in 2016.  The land was privately owned, as a result of the Dawes General Allotment Act of 1887.  Rozol, an anticoagulant rodenticide, was applied to thousands of acres of buffalo pasture with little regard for the strict protocols required for application, clean up, and surveillance of the poison.  The result of the application was widespread damage to wildlife species and the potential for transmission of the toxin to humans through buffalo meat.  Rozol has had a short and turbulent history as a controlled poison for rodents, with concerns severe enough to result in its cancellation for approved use for prairie dogs in 2001.  The case explores the responsibilities and actions of the landowners, local residents, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Environmental