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Indigenous Action Task Force

Task Force Charge

The Indigenous Action Task Force works to support and elevate Indigenous research related to the Earth System, to welcome Indigenous scientists and their work into AGU, and to respectfully welcome Indigenous Knowledges and Knowledge Systems into AGU discourse without appropriation. The task force will work with the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, AGU members, and AGU staff to support and broaden Indigenous inclusion and leadership within AGU. The task force will help AGU build alliances with organizations that focus on Indigenous peoples and issues.

‘Indigenous’ should be understood to reference a community of peoples sharing intergenerational ancestry and cultural aspects with original (pre-colonial) occupants of ancestral lands in a specific region of the world. Within this definition, membership to an Indigenous community should be understood as a sovereign right established both through self-determination and community acceptance.
-From David-Chavez and Gavin, 2018.

Key initiatives

  • 1
    Making AGU more financially accessible and culturally welcoming to Indigenous scientists from around the world
  • 2
    Working with AGU Publications on Publications devoted to Indigenous geoscience
  • 3
    Welcoming papers on Indigenous research, from Indigenous authors and using Indigenous frameworks
  • 4
    Ensuring all published research was done ethically, responsibly, and in accordance with principles of reciprocity
  • 5
    Developing policies and practices to safeguard Indigenous data sovereignty and stewardship
  • 6
    Building alliances with organizations that advance Indigenous rights and sovereignty
  • 7
    Implementing joint activities with organizations devoted to Indigenous science
  • 8
    Providing learning opportunities for AGU members on topics including reciprocity and respectful engagement
  • 9
    Guiding AGU on international landscape and strategies for engagement in different regions of the world
  • 10
    Providing guidance on meeting planning that is respectful of local Indigenous communities
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Task Force members

Name Institution Task Force role
Jessica L Black Heritage University
Member
Grace Bulltail Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment
Member
Ciarra Greene Northwest Indian College
Member
Dan Hikuroa University of Auckland
Member
Amy Myrbo Self Employed
Member
Allen Pope National Science Foundation  Member
Darryl Reano Arizona State University
Member
TJ Young University of Cambridge
Member
 Lesley Wyborn The Australian National University  Member
Raj Pandya American Geophysical Union
Staff Partner; VP, Community Science