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Participatory Science
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Participatory Science Tribal Projects

What are Tribal Participatory Science Projects?

Tribal nations have a long history of partnering with communities to solve environmental problems. EPA partners with Tribal nations on participatory science projects that promote innovative approaches to addressing high priority environmental issues. These partnerships build capacity for addressing environmental and health issues throughout Indian Country. 

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See how Tribes are using participatory science: 

More Resources

  • EPA StoryMap on Participatory Science 
  • Tribal Air Sensor Article
  • Tribal Citizen Science Paper

Kuskokwim Water Quality Project

A canoe beside the lake

Several tribes along the Kuskokwim River in Southwest Alaska are concerned about the ecological health of their rivers and have begun to collect baseline water quality data using trained tribal members. They aim to develop a GIS story map, invite other tribes to join, and develop methods that can be used by others. 

Learn more about the Kuscokwim Water Project.

Mercury in Penobscot Persistence Foods

A group of tribal citizen scientists collecting a soil sample in Penobscot, Maine

EPA researchers and partners sampled species of fish and crayfish from Penobscot Indian Nation waters and used the baseline data to guide how tribal members can safely consume fish, to better understand mercury levels in their environment, and to develop a long-term monitoring program.

Learn more about Mercury in Persistence Foods.

Microplastics in Tribal Subsistence Foods

A group of citizen scientists taking a soil sample in Alaska

The Sitka Tribe of Alaska investigated microplastic content in traditional subsistence foods and local scientists led students from Mt. Edgecumbe to test for microplastic presence in shellfish. Afterward, students helped present their findings to the community and raised awareness of causes of microplastics in food. 

Learn more about the Sitka Microplastics Project.

Invasive Species in Blackfeet Waters

Blackfeet Waters Nation Symbol

In Browning, Montana, the Blackfeet Nation is conducting an aquatic invasive species prevention program that includes boat inspection stations and a participatory science component that trains local community members to collect substrate and eDNA samples. Additionally, they created a science curriculum for local schools.

Learn more about this Invasive Species Project.

Collocated Air Sensor Shelters for Tribes

Collocated air sensor shelter

Low-cost air sensors are an affordable way to assess air quality, especially in regions without nearby regulatory air monitoring sites. EPA is providing six air sensor shelters to state and tribal partners to assess the accuracy of low-cost sensors and encourage their use. 

Learn more about Collocated Air Sensor Shelters.

Passamaquoddy Drinking Water Project

resident collecting a drinking water sample

Community members used their homes to sample drinking water quality on the Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point Reservation. In the end, a drinking water fill station for all community members was installed and a drinking water report was completed.

Learn more about Passamaquoddy's Water Project.

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Last updated on June 13, 2022
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