Exploring Traditional Indigenous Knowledge Related to Emergency Management and Climate Adaptation
Research Location:
Implemented: Chesapeake Bay region, USA
Conservation Partners:
Nansemond Indian Nation
Student Researcher
Grace Cogley, Major: Anthropology; Major: Environment and Sustainability (Humanities concentration)Faculty Mentors
Dr. Martin Gallivan and Dr. Jessi JenkinsProject Description
Effective preparation and response to climate change integrates knowledge from across disciplines as well as traditional knowledge and practices from Indigenous communities. Grace Cogley '25 is working with the Nansemond Indian Nation to explore the community's traditional practices and knowledge to develop an emergency response and preparedness strategy to ensure the community's resilience to climate change.
Emergency preparedness and response to climate change is a high priority for the Nansemond Indian Nation. To effectively prepare for the challenges, the community is working to integrate the traditional knowledge and practices deeply rooted in the Nansemond community's heritage with contemporary climate predictions and ecological models to plan for the potential impacts of climate on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystems and surrounding communities.
Working alongside the Nansemond Indian Nation's Environmental Department and faculty mentors, Grace will undertake a comprehensive, integrative research project to help inform the Nansemond community's emergency preparedness efforts. This involves compiling oral histories and literature to investigate current local and Tribal practices. Further, Grace will work with stakeholders in the Chesapeake region to compile interdisciplinary information on policy, archeology, environmental science, conservation, and climate science to inform the plan.
The ultimate goal is to forge a synergistic approach that combines these two knowledge tracks, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the response to climate change. This wealth of information can contribute to the Nansemond communities' efforts to ensure their readiness for emergency management and successful adaptation to the challenges posed by climate change.
