Building a Toolbox

“If we want different results, we need different systems (i.e. our own). “

The Nìhì Toolbox

Research at the Níhí Lab is guided by an Indigenous-Centered Research Framework, inspired by lessons from Tó (water in Diné). Like rivers, the framework reflects how Systems-based thinking is be dynamic, adaptable, and considerate of the ripple of change. Combining Indigenous Knowledge and Research Protocols with Place, Space, fundamental Diné philosophy and Family/Core values leads to the grander foundation of Indigenous Data Sovereignty. Dr. Cherie DeVore has over a decade of experience with several Native communities in the Western U.S. Community. This toolkit utilizes tangible and intangible tools (physical and metaphysical) that expand the definition of science and science communication—with the foundation of Indigenous Systems of Knowledge (ISK) and the Three Rs of Respect, Responsibility, and Reciprocity. A connecting objective to the toolkit centers “relationality,” sustainability and community above novelty.

  • Placed based knowledge

    Indigenous Systems of Knowledge and the Three R’s (Respect, Reciprocity, Responsibility)

    Physical and metaphysical

    Local and traditional ecological knowledge

  • Newtonian Physics

    Thermodynamics

    Biogeochemistry

    Indigenous ontology and epistemology

  • Abundance

    Gratitude

    Self-care

    Data Sovereignty and Governance

Voices From the Field: Reflections on Restorative and Mechanistic Approaches to Environmental Science and Health Research on Indigenous Lands

Cherie De Vore, Ph.D., now a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University, returns plant samples to the landscape after concluding her doctoral project on little bluestem grass. (Photo courtesy of Maliaq Kairaiuak)

Physical Tools - Instruments

Core Facilities

  • Electron Photoemission Spectroscopy and Imaging Laboratory for Observation at the Nanoscale is equipped with instruments such as the Scanning Electron Microscope and a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy system.

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  • Karanikola Optimization Research for Environmental Sustainability laboratory house an ensemble of instruments for aqueous elemental analysis including an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry and Ion Chromatography system. A Streaming Zeta Potential analyzer is also available for surface charge analysis of solids.

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  • Arizona Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants possess a Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry system for separation and mass analysis.

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  • Laboratory for Electron Spectroscopy house an X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy system for elemental composition analysis of material surfaces.

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  • Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering