'Indian Country' is excited about the first Native American secretary of the interior – and the promise she has for addressing issues of importance to all Americans
If confirmed, US Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico would be the first Native American to run the agency that interacts with tribal nations. But her agenda extends far beyond Indian Country.
Feb. 16, 2021 • ~11 min
In a time of social and environmental crisis, Aldo Leopold's call for a 'land ethic' is still relevant
Jan. 11 marks the birthday of conservationist Aldo Leopold (1887-1948), who called for thinking about land as a living community to protect, not a resource to exploit.
Jan. 5, 2021 • ~9 min
The iconic American inventor is still a white male – and that's an obstacle to race and gender inclusion
The story of the invention in America typically features larger-than-life caricatures of white men like Thomas Edison while largely ignoring the contributions of women and people of color.
Dec. 8, 2020 • ~9 min
How a flu virus shut down the US economy in 1872 – by infecting horses
A fast-moving equine flu cratered the US economy in the fall of 1872, showing all too clearly that horses were essential and deserved better treatment.
Dec. 3, 2020 • ~9 min
Returning the 'three sisters' – corn, beans and squash – to Native American farms nourishes people, land and cultures
For centuries Native Americans intercropped corn, beans and squash because the plants thrived together. A new initiative is measuring health and social benefits from reuniting the "three sisters."
Nov. 20, 2020 • ~9 min
Climate change and forest management have both fueled today's epic Western wildfires
Debating whether climate change or forest management has caused the devastating wildfires in California, Washington and Oregon is a false choice.
Sept. 16, 2020 • ~10 min
American environmentalism's racist roots have shaped global thinking about conservation
US ideas about conservation center on walling off land from use. That approach often means expelling Indigenous and other poor people who may be its most effective caretakers.
Sept. 2, 2020 • ~11 min
Trump greenlights drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, but will oil companies show up?
The Trump administration is opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas leasing – a step that's as much about politics as it is about energy.
Aug. 21, 2020 • ~9 min
National parks – even Mount Rushmore – show that there's more than one kind of patriotism
President Trump is scheduled to appear at an Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore on July 3. For some, this event will symbolize love of country. Others will see it very differently.
June 29, 2020 • ~9 min
5 ways the world is better off dealing with a pandemic now than in 1918
A century ago, the influenza pandemic killed about 50 million people. Today we are battling the coronavirus pandemic. Are we any better off? Two social scientists share five reasons we have to be optimistic.
June 19, 2020 • ~9 min
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