Participatory Resurgence of Indigenous Reproductive Health and Reproductive Justice

FAIN: PN-293074-23

University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN 55455-2009)
Katie Johnston-Goodstar (Project Director: January 2023 to present)
Christine DeLisle (Co Project Director: September 2023 to present)

A participatory, community-based study to document and preserve Indigenous reproductive health practices of the Dakhóta and CHamoru. 

This project proposes to engage a participatory, environmental humanities inquiry exploring Indigenous reproductive health and reproductive justice (IRH/RJ) within Dakhóta and CHamoru communities and homelands. Through a series of three phases, this project will utilize conversation and storywork methods to document, identify and protect this unique cultural heritage and its related resources; engage community reproductive health workers and birthkeepers in participatory efforts to safeguard and foster the resurgence of this knowledge; and to appraise the risks of climate change on IRH/RJ and develop strategies that ensure the continuity of this cultural heritage in Indigenous communities facing imminent risk.