Caring for our kin: Stories of Indigenous environmental stewardship
American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund brings access to higher education for American Indian and Alaska Native students across the country. Its Environmental Stewardship Program supports tribal colleges and universities in protecting and restoring Indigenous homelands and ecosystems vital to tribal lifeways. The program advances environmental education, community-based research, and culturally grounded stewardship that honors Indigenous intergenerational knowledge transfer to future generations.
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In close collaboration with the American Indian College Fund’s Environmental Stewardship Program, we interviewed seven Native leaders across tribal, federal, nonprofit, academic, and lifeway sectors whose work is deeply connected to environmental stewardship.
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Interview and highlight the stories of Indigenous environmental leaders.
Feature the real-world experiences that influenced the careers in science.
Inspire TCU students to learn more about traditional and non-traditional pathways in environmental studies.
Provide college leaders with a tool to promote environmental science programming.
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The personal stories of seven environmental leaders were featured in a 12-page printed guidebook that highlights real-world career paths, educational experiences, and cultural knowledge. Designed for both print and digital distribution, the final piece is an engaging resource for students at tribal colleges and universities who are pursuing careers in environmental science and natural resources.
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Sep 2025–Mar 2026
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Julianna Smith — Project lead, report writing, client communication, creative direction, and graphic design
Jordan Greene — Interviews, data collection and analysis, and report writing
Michael Brydge — Tool development and client communication
“I carry this work for my daughter, my grandchildren, and for those who will follow after.” —Adriann Killsnight
