The Science Warriors Fellowship cultivates scientist organizers within Indigenous Nations and their communities, bridging the gap between grassroots organizing and science-based interventions.

Our fellows receive a stipend of up to $10,000 for a 10 month project, with additional funding of up to $5,000 available for research materials, gas, and other expenses. They also participate in regular check-ins and workshops.

• The Oceti Sakowin Exploratory Project aims to monitor the impacts of climate change and correlate them with Lakota treaty rights and Indigenous Peoples' Rights. Our approach involves qualitative assessments to understand environmental and health implications, complemented by engineering box model analyses specifically focused on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Subsequently, we will develop accessible educational materials based on our research findings that are culturally and politically relevant. Additionally, with our findings we are to build a narrative of problem solving through environment and health issues. 

• Our primary objective is to collect approximately 100 water and soil samples across the Oceti Sakowin Territory. This effort will provide valuable insights into environmental dynamics and foster a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between climate change and Indigenous treaty rights. Following data collection, we plan to analyze the gathered information and utilize tools such as ArcGIS to create story maps. These maps will illustrate the locations of water and soil testing sites alongside traditional ecological knowledge of these areas.

• Coming soon: The Land Back story map is an ongoing project to map the Land Back movement on Turtle Island. This includes mapping historical land grabs by the U.S. government and how the legacy of extraction on Native lands manifests in the present day. By telling the story of past and ongoing Land Back campaigns, we hope to set the stage for successes to come. 

• The map is a work in progress. Stay tuned for more.