USDA Forest Service Co-Hosts Natural Resources Discovery Camp for American Indian Students

by Mescalero Apache Tribe | June 17, 2019 10:09 am

Students from the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute participated in a Natural Resources Discovery Camp in Mescalero, NM June 10-14, 2019.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Branch of the USDA Forest Service formally partnered with the Society for Range Management (SRM), the Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and Animo Partnerships in Natural Resources to offer a “Natural Resources Discovery Camp” to thirty-three (33) American Indian students.  The camp took place June 10-14 in Mescalero, New Mexico.  Participating students from SIPI, Mescalero High School, and Tularosa High School were introduced to career paths through experiential activities with agency and tribal staff members.  Students also engaged in problem-solving activities that helped them learn how they can apply science to the study of natural resources.  Students were selected based on criterion developed by SRM, SIPI, and the USDA Forest Service, including enrollment in natural-resources related academic programs at the post-secondary level, as well as high school students with an expressed interest in studying and working in the field of natural resources.  “I was so impressed with the caliber of students and their level of engagement,” said Jennifer Hickman, Forest Soil Scientist with the Lincoln National Forest.  “As a Native professional, it is endearing to see young Native students interested in pursuing natural resources careers.”

Participants in the Natural Resources Discovery Camp learn from Larry Cordova, Wildlife Biologist at the Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest. 

USDA Forest Service Work Environment and Performance Office (WEPO) personnel, along with subject matter experts from the Lincoln National Forest, the Southwestern Regional Office, and partners from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Mescalero Tribal Fish Hatchery facilitated workshops and interactive sessions to review requirements for exploring opportunities and gaining employment in the public service sector.  Federal and Tribal employees assisted in hands-on curriculum designed to enhance student awareness in career paths related to range management, forestry, fire ecology, wildlife ecology, fisheries, recreation, and soil science through presentations and field activities.  “I really learned a lot from the professionals that came to talk to us from the federal agencies,” said Letisha Mailboy, a recent SIPI graduate and a member of the Cañoncito Band of Navajos in Tohajiille, NM.  Ms. Mailboy will be attending New Mexico Highlands University in the fall to pursue a degree in Geology.  “I particularly appreciated how we were encouraged and challenged to think about how we can use what we learned to improve our own communities.”

Chantell Victorino, Acoma Pueblo, a first-year student at SIPI, measures tree height at the Natural Resources Discovery Camp.

During the week-long camp, post-secondary institution partners from SIPI provided instruction in how to apply geospatial science to natural resource studies that helped students develop problem-solving skills.  Shane Evans, a senior at Tularosa High School and member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, stated, “Learning about geographic information systems was really helpful: pinpointing maps, taking pictures, collecting data.  I actually want to be in natural resources and it was good to get to work out in the field and learn about so many options.”  In addition to the field activities, “Tips for Jobseekers” workshops were conducted to familiarize students to careers in the USDA Forest Service, how to apply for federal positions on USAJobs, Pathways Program and third-party internships, and interviewing skills. 

Andrea Hepting, first-year SIPI student from Acoma Pueblo, uses a range finder to collect data while classmate Levi Shije, Zia Pueblo, takes field notes at the Natural Resources Discovery Camp.

The Natural Resources Discovery Camp was in direct alignment with Forest Service core values, affecting meaningful connection of ordinary Americans, particularly underrepresented minorities, to the land, to the Forest Service, and to efforts aimed at conserving our natural resources. Our dedication to service was on full display for the camp participants and this initiative enhanced efforts to create awareness of and appreciation for Forest Service programs and activities.  As in all work-related matters, recognition of the interdependence between the Forest Service and the people and communities we serve was truly evident through productive and engaging discussions with representatives of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the diverse students from various indigenous backgrounds who attend SIPI. The Natural Resources Discovery Camp allowed us to work in collaboration with communities and our partners, including a post-secondary institution (SIPI), local high schools (Mescalero High School and Tularosa High School), Tribal leaders and representatives, and professional organizations (Society for Range Management and Animo Partnerships in Natural Resources).  Respect for diversity was demonstrated in both the design and execution of this project, including a deep respect for the people and communities with which we engaged, and the cultures, perspectives, ideas, and experiences they embody and bring to the table. Access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality were embedded as stated objectives of this camp, with a strong emphasis on how the knowledge and skills that students gained by virtue of their participation in this discovery camp could be used in solving problems in their own communities. 

Miranda Henio, a first-year student at SIPI and member of the Navajo Nation from Navajo, NM, monitors the water temperature of the Rio Bonito near BLM’s Dow Canyon Tract during the Natural Resources Discovery Camp.

“I was so pleased as to how well this year’s Discovery Camp came together,” said Arthur (Butch) Blazer, President of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. “I want to thank all involved for creating such a meaningful and lasting experience for our tribal students that were in attendance. I truly hope that this is the first of many more camps to come.”

Arthur “Butch” Blazer, President of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, welcomes students and federal partners participating in the Natural Resources Discovery Camp.
Jennifer Hickman, Forest Soil Scientist with the US Forest Service, reviews burn severity mapping protocols with Chantell Victorino, SIPI freshman, at Soldier Canyon as part of the Natural Resources Discovery Camp.
Nicholas Cann, a student at Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, gathers grass samples as Forest Service Range Information and Budget Manager Kevin Sanchez looks on as part of a Range Management lesson at the Natural Resources Diversity Camp.
Mescalero High School Junior Floyt Klinekole, studies a bullfrog near the Red Cabin Pond during the Natural Resources Discovery Camp.

Source URL: https://mescaleroapachetribe.com/10519/usda-forest-service-co-hosts-natural-resources-discovery-camp-for-american-indian-students/