News - North America
GLOBE's North American Regional Meeting at Badlands National Park
The South Dakota Discovery Center hosted the in-person GLOBE North American Regional Meeting (NARM) 21-23 May in Badlands National Park. This was not your usual NARM, as the entire event was an immersive field experience.
The 12 participants used GLOBE hydrosphere protocols to contribute to an ongoing research study of Sage Creek and explored aquatic macroinvertebrates using MacroBlitz, a GLOBE-adjacent project to support the freshwater macroinvertebrate protocol.
They also developed a richer understanding of Indigenous Ways of Knowing through presentations with an Indigenous elder, Lakota star stories planetarium presentation, and group discussion.
The NARM was held mostly outdoors except for the final discussion session. Participants camped at a primitive campground (no electricity or running water). Meals were provided by an experienced outfitter. Buffalo (Bison bison) were a constant presence.
Cassie Soeffing received travel funding support from the GLOBE U.S. Coordination Office through UCAR/GLOBE Implementation Office Grant and Cooperative Agreement No. NNX17AD75A.
Report from Cassie Soeffing
Anne Lewis asked us to read Braiding Sweetgrass before attending this NARM, and group discussions were in a circle, as in the chapter “Sitting in a Circle.”
I especially enjoyed the indigenous speaker Tony Ten Fingers. Tony is a Faculty Member at Oglala Lakota College. His background is varied, as are his life experiences. We introduced ourselves to him in the circle with something about us or our place. He, in turn, shared an experience or story related to us. What could have been a rapid-fire self-introduction turned into fun and interesting stories. My takeaway is to make connections, slow down, and enjoy the journey.
Generations Indigenous Ways is a native nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth. Helene Gaddie is the executive director and an exemplary speaker and storyteller. Through a StarLab, she shared Lakota stories of the constellations. It was a perfect start to learning more about her commitment to science and mission. Her nonprofit work makes a difference to young people by keeping culture at the forefront.
Photo captions (top to bottom)
- Photo 1: Measuring nitrate levels in Sage Creek. Photo by Sarah Johnson
- Photo 2: Taking photos of macroinvertebrates at Sage Creek. Photo by Anne Lewis.
- Photo 3: NARM participants have a discussion with Tony Ten Fingers. Photo by Cassie Soeffing.
- Photo 4: A Buffalo explores Badlands National Park. Photo by Nico Janik.
- Photo 5: A StarLab indoor planetarium exhibit. Photo by Cassie Soeffing.