What can Indigenous knowledge teach us about the future of environmental science? Join us on Thursday, April 23, for the Timothy C. Linnemann Memorial Lecture on the Environment, featuring Dr. Jessica Hernandez. The evening begins with a book signing at 5 p.m. outside of Celeste Theatre, followed by the lecture at 6 p.m. inside Celeste Theatre.
Hernandez’s talk, “Rebuilding Environmental Science Through Indigenous Science: Lessons from Fresh Banana Leaves” examines the themes of Fresh Banana Leaves to show how Indigenous histories and knowledge systems make essential contributions to contemporary environmental science. Through her exploration of land stewardship, ecological reciprocity, and community rooted science, the book demonstrates how Indigenous science offers holistic, place-based frameworks that address environmental challenges in ways Western science alone cannot. Highlighting examples such as forest management, ecological restoration, and climate resilience, the presentation illustrates how Indigenous knowledge strengthens scientific inquiry by centering relationality, interdependence, and long-term observation. By comparing Western scientific approaches with Indigenous ecological practices, we show how collaborative, decolonized research models lead to more ethical, resilient, and sustainable environmental outcomes. Ultimately, this presentation argues that embracing Indigenous science is not supplementary but foundational to building a more just and effective environmental science for the future.
Add to your calendar.
