Sovereign Science: Saving Our Red-Tailed and Raptor Relatives

For this special edition of Authors “Around” the Hill, we are excited to welcome speakers from Sovereign Science, an Indigenous STEAM Think Tank that conducts community reflective research of our environment and the impacts of ecocide and climate change on all life. They will discuss their ongoing project mapping the mortality and migration of Red-Tailed Hawks in New England and their approach to environmental and scientific research, connecting nature and the environment with culture and understanding our diverse ecosystem.

All are welcome to join in this illuminating conversation about Indigenous science, sovereignty, and how we can support the diverse species that live alongside us.

Sovereign Science is an ongoing initiative to better intersectional literacy in STEAM to positively impact indigenous ecosystems, with Indigenous methodologies. As a thinktank, Sovereign Science has uplifted tribal and non-tribal citizen science for ecological justice and sociopolitical advocacy. Since 2022, Sovereign Science has been researching the rodenticide concern alongside Indigenous people’s observations in New England of redtail hawks in addition to recurring fish populations and migratory paths. Sovereign Science work includes participation at the United Nations in various high level political forums around sustainable development, migratory species and climate change.

Keshia Lawrence (she/they) is a Ramapough and Montaukett tribal member, and a PhD student at Trent University. Casey Howell (he/him) is Mattakeeset Massachusett and Saponi, and a Sovereign Science team member.

Learn more about Sovereign Science and their work:

• Sovereign Science Collaborative Mapping - Our Red-Tailed Hawk Relatives

• Mass Audubon: 2025 Hundreds Rally at State House to Support Legislation That Protects Pets & Wildlife from Rodenticides

• From River to Ocean: How the Saw Kill Creek Eel Count Connects Community, Culture and Science

This program is part of the ongoing Seeds of Knowledge series through the Holy Cross Libraries and the Office of Sustainability. For more information about the series, visit http://libguides.holycross.edu/seedsofknowledge.

Light refreshments will be provided.