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The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community developed an informal environmental health and sustainability (EHS) curriculum based on Swinomish beliefs and practices. EHS programs developed and implemented by Indigenous communities are extremely scarce. The mainstream view of EHS does not do justice to how many Indigenous peoples define EHS as reciprocal relationships between people, nonhuman beings, homelands, air, and waters. The curriculum provides an alternative informal educational platform for teaching science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) using identification, harvest, and preparation activities of First Foods and medicines that are important to community members in order to increase awareness and understanding of local EHS issues. The curriculum, called 13 Moons, is founded on a set of guiding principles which may be useful for other Indigenous communities seeking to develop their own curricula.
Jamie Donatuto; Larry Campbell; Joyce LeCompte; Diana Rohlman; Sonni Tadlock. The Story of 13 Moons: Developing an Environmental Health and Sustainability Curriculum Founded on Indigenous First Foods and Technologies. Sustainability 2020, 12, 8913 .
AMA StyleJamie Donatuto, Larry Campbell, Joyce LeCompte, Diana Rohlman, Sonni Tadlock. The Story of 13 Moons: Developing an Environmental Health and Sustainability Curriculum Founded on Indigenous First Foods and Technologies. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (21):8913.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJamie Donatuto; Larry Campbell; Joyce LeCompte; Diana Rohlman; Sonni Tadlock. 2020. "The Story of 13 Moons: Developing an Environmental Health and Sustainability Curriculum Founded on Indigenous First Foods and Technologies." Sustainability 12, no. 21: 8913.
Scholars worldwide have stated that some of the most devastating health impacts from climate change are experienced by Indigenous peoples. Yet, climate change health assessments rely primarily on technical data from climate models, with limited local knowledge and little to no values-driven community data. Values-driven data provide important information about how people define what health means, their health priorities, and preferred actions to maintain or improve health. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (Washington State, USA) developed and implemented a climate change health assessment founded on values-driven data. Successfully eliciting, structuring, and ultimately summarizing community values were achieved by incorporating tools and techniques from western disciplines (e.g., decision science, behavioral research) with local indigenous ways of learning and sharing. Results demonstrate that the assessment meaningfully engaged community members and effectively added their knowledge and values into the decision process. The assessment results protect and strengthen Swinomish community health and well-being by elevating health priorities, focusing limited energy and resources, ensuring that community members and others are working toward common goals, and establishing agreement around intended outcomes/results.
Jamie Donatuto; Larry Campbell; William Trousdale. The “value” of values-driven data in identifying Indigenous health and climate change priorities. Climatic Change 2019, 158, 161 -180.
AMA StyleJamie Donatuto, Larry Campbell, William Trousdale. The “value” of values-driven data in identifying Indigenous health and climate change priorities. Climatic Change. 2019; 158 (2):161-180.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJamie Donatuto; Larry Campbell; William Trousdale. 2019. "The “value” of values-driven data in identifying Indigenous health and climate change priorities." Climatic Change 158, no. 2: 161-180.
In 2015, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC) was impacted by an air toxic release from one of two nearby oil refineries. This experience motivated SITC members to learn more about their exposure to air toxics. On the invitation of SITC, this community-based study measured personal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and conducted interviews with the volunteers to evaluate perceptions of the data and experience of participating. Non-smoking SITC members were recruited in March 2016 (N = 10) and January 2017 (N = 22) with seven volunteers participating both times. Volunteers wore a wristband passive sampler for 7 days and completed daily activity diaries. Wristbands were analyzed for 62 PAHs using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Wilcoxon exact tests determined if the sum total PAHs (ΣPAH) differed by activity, proximity to the refineries, and time. Aggregated results were shared during community meetings, and volunteers received individual reports. Volunteers (N = 9) participated in individual interviews. All volunteers were exposed to different amounts and types of PAHs. Burning candles or using a wood stove and/or propane heating were associated with higher ΣPAH exposures. While ΣPAH was similar in both sampling periods, the composition of PAHs differed. More priority listed PAHs were detected in January (N = 17) versus March (N = 10). Among volunteers who participated in both sampling events, exposure to four PAHs significantly differed between seasons. Overall, volunteers reported that the study made them more aware of air pollution sources in their community. They also commented that the chemical nomenclature was difficult to understand, but appreciated the individual reports that allowed them to visually compare their data to the distribution of data collected in their community. For volunteers with lower exposures, these comparisons gave them relief. However, volunteers with higher exposures reported concern and several changed their behaviors to reduce their exposure to known PAH sources. This study provided an opportunity for SITC members to learn about their personal exposure to a class of air toxics within the context of their community. While the limitations of the study hindered the ability to identify sources of air toxics in the community, this activity appeared to raise awareness about ambient and indoor air pollution among the volunteers.
Diana Rohlman; Jamie Donatuto; Myk Heidt; Michael Barton; Larry Campbell; Kim A. Anderson; Molly L. Kile. A Case Study Describing a Community-Engaged Approach for Evaluating Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure in a Native American Community. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 327 .
AMA StyleDiana Rohlman, Jamie Donatuto, Myk Heidt, Michael Barton, Larry Campbell, Kim A. Anderson, Molly L. Kile. A Case Study Describing a Community-Engaged Approach for Evaluating Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure in a Native American Community. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (3):327.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDiana Rohlman; Jamie Donatuto; Myk Heidt; Michael Barton; Larry Campbell; Kim A. Anderson; Molly L. Kile. 2019. "A Case Study Describing a Community-Engaged Approach for Evaluating Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure in a Native American Community." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 3: 327.
How health is defined and assessed is a priority concern for Indigenous peoples due to considerable health risks faced from environmental impacts to homelands, and because what is “at risk” is often determined without their input or approval. Many health assessments by government agencies, industry, and researchers from outside the communities fail to include Indigenous definitions of health and omit basic methodological guidance on how to evaluate Indigenous health, thus compromising the quality and consistency of results. Native Coast Salish communities (Washington State, USA) developed and pilot-tested a set of Indigenous Health Indicators (IHI) that reflect non-physiological aspects of health (community connection, natural resources security, cultural use, education, self-determination, resilience) on a community scale, using constructed measures that allow for concerns and priorities to be clearly articulated without releasing proprietary knowledge. Based on initial results from pilot-tests of the IHI with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (Washington State, USA), we argue that incorporation of IHIs into health assessments will provide a more comprehensive understanding of Indigenous health concerns, and assist Indigenous peoples to control their own health evaluations.
Jamie Donatuto; Larry Campbell; Robin Gregory. Developing Responsive Indicators of Indigenous Community Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2016, 13, 899 .
AMA StyleJamie Donatuto, Larry Campbell, Robin Gregory. Developing Responsive Indicators of Indigenous Community Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2016; 13 (9):899.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJamie Donatuto; Larry Campbell; Robin Gregory. 2016. "Developing Responsive Indicators of Indigenous Community Health." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 9: 899.
Racial and ethnic minority communities, including American Indian and Alaska Natives, have been disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution and contamination. This includes siting and location of point sources of pollution, legacies of contamination of drinking and recreational water, and mining, military and agricultural impacts. As a result, both quantity and quality of culturally important subsistence resources are diminished, contributing to poor nutrition and obesity, and overall reductions in quality of life and life expectancy. Climate change is adding to these impacts on Native American communities, variably causing drought, increased flooding and forced relocation affecting tribal water resources, traditional foods, forests and forest resources, and tribal health. This article will highlight several extramural research projects supported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Science to Achieve Results (STAR) tribal environmental research grants as a mechanism to address the environmental health inequities and disparities faced by tribal communities. The tribal research portfolio has focused on addressing tribal environmental health risks through community based participatory research. Specifically, the STAR research program was developed under the premise that tribal populations may be at an increased risk for environmentally-induced diseases as a result of unique subsistence and traditional practices of the tribes and Alaska Native villages, community activities, occupations and customs, and/or environmental releases that significantly and disproportionately impact tribal lands. Through a series of case studies, this article will demonstrate how grantees—tribal community leaders and members and academic collaborators—have been addressing these complex environmental concerns by developing capacity, expertise and tools through community-engaged research.
Cynthia Agumanu McOliver; Anne K. Camper; John T. Doyle; Margaret J. Eggers; Timothy Ford; Mary Ann Lila; James Berner; Larry Campbell; Jamie Donatuto. Community-Based Research as a Mechanism to Reduce Environmental Health Disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2015, 12, 4076 -4100.
AMA StyleCynthia Agumanu McOliver, Anne K. Camper, John T. Doyle, Margaret J. Eggers, Timothy Ford, Mary Ann Lila, James Berner, Larry Campbell, Jamie Donatuto. Community-Based Research as a Mechanism to Reduce Environmental Health Disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2015; 12 (4):4076-4100.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCynthia Agumanu McOliver; Anne K. Camper; John T. Doyle; Margaret J. Eggers; Timothy Ford; Mary Ann Lila; James Berner; Larry Campbell; Jamie Donatuto. 2015. "Community-Based Research as a Mechanism to Reduce Environmental Health Disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 12, no. 4: 4076-4100.
Environmental justice in the tribal context cannot be contemplated apart from a recognition of American Indian tribes' unique historical, political, and legal circumstances. American Indian tribes are sovereign governments, with inherent powers of self-government over their citizens and their territories. Their status as sovereign entities predates contact with European settlers. This separate status, nonetheless, was affirmed by the United States early on and is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Tribes today continue to exist as distinct sovereigns within the boundaries of the United States.
Darren J. Ranco; Catherine A. O'neill; Jamie Donatuto; Barbara L. Harper. Environmental Justice, American Indians and the Cultural Dilemma: Developing Environmental Management for Tribal Health and Well-being. Environmental Justice 2011, 4, 221 -230.
AMA StyleDarren J. Ranco, Catherine A. O'neill, Jamie Donatuto, Barbara L. Harper. Environmental Justice, American Indians and the Cultural Dilemma: Developing Environmental Management for Tribal Health and Well-being. Environmental Justice. 2011; 4 (4):221-230.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDarren J. Ranco; Catherine A. O'neill; Jamie Donatuto; Barbara L. Harper. 2011. "Environmental Justice, American Indians and the Cultural Dilemma: Developing Environmental Management for Tribal Health and Well-being." Environmental Justice 4, no. 4: 221-230.
Jamie L. Donatuto; Terre A. Satterfield; Robin Gregory. Poisoning the body to nourish the soul: Prioritising health risks and impacts in a Native American community. Health, Risk & Society 2011, 13, 103 -127.
AMA StyleJamie L. Donatuto, Terre A. Satterfield, Robin Gregory. Poisoning the body to nourish the soul: Prioritising health risks and impacts in a Native American community. Health, Risk & Society. 2011; 13 (2):103-127.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJamie L. Donatuto; Terre A. Satterfield; Robin Gregory. 2011. "Poisoning the body to nourish the soul: Prioritising health risks and impacts in a Native American community." Health, Risk & Society 13, no. 2: 103-127.
Jamie Donatuto; Barbara Harper; Catherine O'neill. Letter to the Editor. Risk Analysis 2010, 30, 1459 -1460.
AMA StyleJamie Donatuto, Barbara Harper, Catherine O'neill. Letter to the Editor. Risk Analysis. 2010; 30 (10):1459-1460.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJamie Donatuto; Barbara Harper; Catherine O'neill. 2010. "Letter to the Editor." Risk Analysis 30, no. 10: 1459-1460.
The environmental health goals of many Native American tribes are to restore natural resources and ensure that they are safe to harvest and consume in traditional subsistence quantities. Therefore, it is important to tribes to accurately estimate risks incurred through the consumption of subsistence foods. This article explores problems in conventional fish consumption survey methods used in widely cited tribal fish consumption reports. The problems arise because of the following: (1) widely cited reports do not clearly state what they intend to do with the data supporting these reports, (2) data collection methods are incongruent with community norms and protocols, (3) data analysis methods omit or obscure the highest consumer subset of the population, (4) lack of understanding or recognition of tribal health co-risk factors, and (5) restrictive policies that do not allow inclusion of tribal values within state or federal actions. In particular, the data collection and analysis methods in current tribal fish consumption surveys result in the misunderstanding that tribal members are satisfied with eating lower contemporary amounts of fish and shellfish, rather than the subsistence amounts that their cultural heritage and aboriginal rights indicate. A community-based interview method developed in collaboration with and used by the Swinomish Tribe is suggested as a way to gather more accurate information on contemporary consumption rates. For traditional subsistence rates, a multidisciplinary reconstruction method is recommended.
Jamie Donatuto; Barbara L. Harper. Issues in Evaluating Fish Consumption Rates for Native American Tribes. Risk Analysis 2008, 28, 1497 -1506.
AMA StyleJamie Donatuto, Barbara L. Harper. Issues in Evaluating Fish Consumption Rates for Native American Tribes. Risk Analysis. 2008; 28 (6):1497-1506.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJamie Donatuto; Barbara L. Harper. 2008. "Issues in Evaluating Fish Consumption Rates for Native American Tribes." Risk Analysis 28, no. 6: 1497-1506.