A record of change - Science and elder observations on the Navajo Nation

General Information Product 181
Prepared in collaboration with the Navajo Nation
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

A Record of Change - Science and Elder Observations on the Navajo Nation is a 25-minute documentary about combining observations from Navajo elders with conventional science to determine how tribal lands and culture are affected by climate change. On the Navajo Nation, there is a shortage of historical climate data, making it difficult to assess changing environmental conditions.

This video reveals how a team of scientists, anthropologists, and translators combined the rich local knowledge of Navajo elders with recent scientific investigation to effectively document environmental change. Increasing aridity and declining snowfall in this poorly monitored region of the Southwest are accompanied by declining river flow and migrating sand dunes. The observations of Navajo elders verify and supplement this record of change by informing how shifting weather patterns are reflected in Navajo cultural practices and living conditions.

Suggested Citation

Redsteer, M.H., and Wessells, S.M., 2017, A record of change—Science and elder observations on the Navajo Nation: U.S. Geological Survey General Information Product 181, video, 25 minutes, https://doi.org/10.3133/gip181. [Video also available in Navajo language, 28 minutes.]

ISSN: 2332-354X (online)

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A record of change - Science and elder observations on the Navajo Nation
Series title General Information Product
Series number 181
DOI 10.3133/gip181
Year Published 2017
Language English, Navajo
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Description Video: 24 minutes; Transcript; DVD box cover; Disc label
Country United States
Other Geospatial Navajo Nation
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details