Graduation Date
Fall 2025
Document Type
Project
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Social Science, Environment and Community
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Cutcha Risling-Baldy
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Cinthya Ammerman Muñoz
Second Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Sara Calvosa Olson
Third Committee Member Affiliation
Community Member or Outside Professional
Keywords
Community-based participatory research, Ethnophycology, Food studies, Indigenous sciences, Kelp forest restoration, Ocean resiliency, Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Subject Categories
Environment and Community
Abstract
As partners of the Ghvtlh-k’vsh Shu'-srnelh-'i~ (Kelp Guardians) California Sea Grant project, the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab and Traditional Ecological Knowledges Institute has actively engaged with local educators, Tribal organizations, and Tribal Nations to create youth-centered curricula, researched through a community-based participatory research lens. This is demonstrated through an innovative approach to recruiting and retaining Indigenous youth and community interest in coastal and marine ecosystems and resources by connecting with Indigenous cultural practices, Indigenous sciences, and community-based programs to encourage future careers. The Kelp Guardians project is led by the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation (TDN or Nation) and includes various partner organizations. The Lab has worked in partnership with the Nation through the Natural Resources Department, Culture Committee, and Tribal Council. This thesis project focuses on the community-based implementation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and STEM. The work has included facilitating the Kelp Guardians internship program, coordinating kelp related youth events, workshops, and developing educational outreach materials for the academic and greater communities. Currently, the Lab has participated in thirty-eight community events, developed a variety of recipes, educational curriculum, and facilitated seven student internships. As the Graduate Program Coordinator, I was tasked with research, oversight, and implementation of the objectives with guidance from Co-Principal Investigator, Dr. Cutcha Risling-Baldy. Within this thesis report, I will demonstrate how my research guided the methods and implementations that led to the success of the Food Sovereignty Lab’s objectives and outcomes.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Schroeder-Echavarria, Delaney A., "Kelp guardians can save the world: A Food Sovereignty Lab report of the Ghvtlh-k’vsh Shu'-srnelh-'i~ (Kelp Guardians) California Sea Grant" (2025). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2534.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2534
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