Autumn Powell

During my undergraduate years at Haskell Indian Nations University, I had the invaluable opportunity to conduct my first research under the guidance of Dr. Jay Johnson, Dr. Daniel Wildcat, and Dr. Joseph Brewer through the Haskell Environmental Research Studies, an 8-week Native internship program offered during the summer. My research centered on the profound impact of climate change on Tribal Nations and communities, with a focus on integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge/Indigenous Knowledge (TEK/IK) into professional academia. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the issues facing Indigenous communities but also fueled my passion for advocating for their rights and knowledge systems.



The KU PREP program was instrumental in furthering my academic journey, guiding me to collaborate with professional scholars on research that aligned with my advocacy goals. This experience illuminated the vast potential for championing Native and Tribal Peoples' causes within various professional sectors and academic institutions, reinforcing my commitment to this critical work.



In Baltimore, my advocacy took on a new dimension as I focused on the Tribal Peoples of Maryland, who have been systematically excluded from crucial environmental initiatives. I delved into the root causes of this exclusion by conducting interviews with environmental employees and Tribal Peoples, gathering their perspectives on history, the environment, and their lived experiences. Through dialogue and meticulous archival work, I aimed to amplify the voices of these Tribal Peoples and support their "We Are Still Here" movement in the Chesapeake Bay region.



It was essential to me that my scholarship was accurate, respectful, and rooted in the needs and voices of the community I was studying. I was committed to ensuring that my research was not extractive or harmful, but rather, it was designed to uplift and empower the very people whose knowledge and experiences were central to my work. I understood the responsibility I carried as a Afro-Native researcher to approach my work with the highest ethical standards, ensuring that the community's perspectives were represented authentically and that their voices were heard in a way that honored their contributions. My goal was to produce scholarship that not only advanced academic understanding but also fostered real, positive change for the community, reflecting a deep respect for their sovereignty and agency.



As a Ph.D. student at KU, I feel a profound connection to Lawrence and Haskell, and I am steadfast in my commitment to protecting the Haskell wetlands. These wetlands are not just pieces of land; they are vital ecosystems imbued with deep cultural and environmental significance. I will actively advocate against any efforts by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and real estate entities that threaten these sacred spaces. My mission is clear: to implement strong, protective policies that ensure these wetlands remain untouched. I am driven to expand my knowledge in both the natural and social sciences, empowering myself to be a formidable advocate for this essential cause.