In this episode, we step inside a one-of-a-kind research lab at the University of Arizona’s Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, where cutting-edge process engineering meets deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems. The Níhí Lab is lead by Dr. Cherie De Vore, PhD, who is the first Native American professor in the history of the University of Arizona’s School of Engineering. Cherie is passionate about mentoring the next generation of community leaders, offering a holistic approach that integrates multiple knowledge systems and praxis.

The Diné word “Níhí” translates to a plural, collective “ours.” It reflects the spirit and foundation of their research community: to operate as an inclusive collective that brings together students, researchers, non-academic partners, and community members in shared purpose and responsibility.

Leading the conversation is Dr. De Vore, an Assistant Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering Member of the Graduate Faculty at the University of Arizona. Beyond her technical expertise, she is a dedicated mentor recognized for cultivating inclusive environments, fostering scientific identity, and actively guiding the next generation of innovators.

Dr. Cherie De Vore (Diné) comes from the beautiful high desert community of Crownpoint, NM in eastern Diné (Navajo) Nation. Her clans are Tł’ááshchi’í (Red Bottom People), Dziłt’áá’ Kinyaa’áání (Atop the Mountain Towering House,) Ashįįhí (Salt People) and Táneeszahníí (Tangle People). She received her Ph.D. in civil & environmental engineering at the University of New Mexico under the mentorship of Professor José Cerrato. She was awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Earth Science Postdoctoral Fellowship to conduct research at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory from 2020 to 2023. Dr. De Vore now leads the Níhí Biogeochemistry Environmental Engineering laboratory group as a new Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering at UArizona. Her current work investigates biogeochemical mechanisms that affect the mobilization of inorganic contaminants and microbial community changes for the purpose of engineering bioremediation efforts in rural and underserved communities. Cherie is also an associate faculty member of the Indigenous Resilience Center and a co-PI on the Native FEWS Alliance to address food, energy and water solutions in Indigenous communities. Cherie serves as the Vice President of the UA Native Faculty Group and is the co-advisor for the UA AISES Chapter. Outside of research, Cherie enjoys spending time with her family, coffee (campfire to craft), growing food, archery & marksmanship, hunting, martial arts, playing/collecting soul records, and participating in Diné ceremonies.

Dr. Cherie De Vore – 2025 American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) Most Promising Scientist. Video by @AISESHQ YouTube channel.

I’m also joined by two outstanding research students who are actively involved in projects at the Nihi Lab. These students aren’t just learning science—they’re doing science. They represent the next generation of STEM leaders. In this interview, they’ll share what drew them to research, what it’s like working in a university lab setting, the challenges they’ve faced, and the moments that have inspired them to keep pushing forward.

Nieves Vázquez was born and raised in Houston, Texas and comes from Huachichil Chichimecatl and Mexican people of the Sierra Madre Oriental, México, specifically the Río Ramos of the Río San Juan basin.

They are a recent University of Arizona graduate in the M.S. Water, Society, & Policy program at the School of Natural Resources and the Environment. At the Nihi Lab with her faculty advisor Dr. Cherie De Vore, she worked on the thesis “Relationally in Analysis: Science Communication in Soil and Water Quality Research for Resilient Communities,” arguing that ancestral knowledge utilizes the tool of “relationally” to conduct relevant and impactful science by centering the abundance existing in communities facing environmental challenges. Her familial experience in traditional farming, land cultivation, and river knowledge has shaped her experience as a scientist and a home amongst her peers with similar paths in the Nihi Lab and beyond.

Nieves’ previous work as an intern with the National Park Service throughout the Intermountain Region focused on facilitating difficult dialogues with federal land-based agencies on the inclusion and sovereignty of Indigenous people and under-represented groups in the outdoors and environmental field.

Beyond this work, Nieves loves collecting vinyl records, making art prints or stickers, and identifying birds.

Jariah Callado comes from the mountain community of Dulce, New Mexico, and is an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation. Jariah graduated from Dulce High School at sixteen years old and continued her education at Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale, Arizona, where she earned her Associates of Science. She then went on to attended the University of Arizona where she completed her Bachelor’s in Law with a Certificate in Tribal Courts and Justice Administration. During her undergraduate studies, Jariah joined the Níhí Biogeochemistry and Environmental Engineering Laboratory under the mentorship of Dr. Cherie De Vore. Her research explores Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS) Principles and their application in environmental science and engineering, with the goal of restoring power and decision making to Indigenous communities through equitable, community driven data practices. Jariah has been an active member of the Níhí Lab for a year and a half and is passionate about integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into research frameworks that serve her people. Outside of academics, she enjoys going to powwows and dancing jingle, beading, sewing, baking, working out, and traveling.

What sets this lab apart isn’t only its technology—it’s its guiding philosophy. During the interview the team explains how they deliberately weave Indigenous knowledge systems into their research practices, centering respect, reciprocity, and meaningful relationships. They describe how this perspective influences every stage of their work, from shaping research questions and forming community partnerships to redefining how success is understood and evaluated. Tune in as this episode flips the script. Host Tina passes the mic to STEM mentor Dr. De Vore, who leads an in-depth interview with two of her Nihi Lab students. Their voices bring this work to life—sharing personal insights, lived experiences, and the values that shape their research in ways only they can.

In this episode, I’m joined by three guests Andre Bouchard (Kootenai/Ojibwe/Pend d’Oreille/Flathead Salish), Harrison Jim Sr. (Diné), and Montana Miller (Diné), who are involved in the upcoming live event Stories from the Warrior Society, that explores the evolution of warrior societies in Tribal communities through the lived experiences of Indigenous veterans and active-duty military across three generations. This will be held on Tohono O’odham and Yaqui Tribal territory (Tucson, AZ) and Squaxin Island Tribal territory (Olympia, WA). Each site will feature six Native storytellers who are veterans or active duty— two of whom will be drawn from each site’s local Tribal communities as well as the directors who are Navajo storytellers themselves. This local event will take place at the Fox Theater in downtown Tucson on March 28, 2026 at 2:00 pm, tickets are now available for purchase on the Fox Tucson Theatre website.

Our conversation centers on what it means to be a warrior in Indigenous communities—past and present—and how service, protection, and responsibility have taken many forms over time. Our guests reflect on the power of storytelling as a way to honor ancestors, uplift veterans, and create understanding between generations. They also share what audiences can expect from the live event, where personal stories illuminate history, identity, and the ongoing role of warriors in Tribal life.

Andre Bouchard (of Kootenai/Ojibwe/Pend d’Oreille/Flathead Salish descent) is an educator, director, producer and consultant who was born and raised on the Flathead Reservation in western Montana. He works to build bridges and reverse the invisibility that serves to marginalize Native people in the US. Andre is the founder and director of Indigenous Performance Productions. He holds a Master’s degree in Arts Management from the Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University, a BFA in Dance and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Montana. Another storytelling project Andre is involved is called “The Aunties“, which focuses on storytelling from the perspectives by Indigenous women who call the local area their home who have dedicated their lifework in service to their community. A project is shared at sites across Turtle Island with locations that include, Yakima WA, Los Angeles, CA, Salt Lake City, UT, Minneapolis, MN, etc.

Co-Director, Harrison Jim, Sr. a Diné (Navajo) 

Born into Haltsooi, born for Kinyaa aanii, maternal grandfather is Tsi’najiinii, paternal grandfather is Tsi’najiinii. Harrison Jim Sr. is a Navy veteran and Traditional Practitioner at Sage Memorial Hospital, where he developed a program utilizing traditional practices to help western medicine in healing patients. Mr. Jim is a member of the Dine’ Hat’aalii Association as a traditional practitioner (Hat’aalii), traditional counselor, traditional herbalist, and cultural teacher. Mr. Jim is the only full-blooded Native American awarded a Robert Wood Johnson Fellowship for Developing Leadership in Reducing Substance Abuse.

 Co-Director: Montana James Miller yinishyé

Tabaaha nishti. Áshjjh bashishchiin. Tachii’nii dashicheii. Kinyaa’aanii dashináli. Ákótéego Diné hastiin nishij. Montana Miller (Diné) was born to the Water Edge Clan, Salt People Clan, Red Running into Water Clan, and the Towering House Clan. He is an Infantry Airborne Army veteran who studied Performing Arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts. An actor, director, writer, and producer, he is known for his role as “Arizona” in Into the Wild Frontier (Season 4, Episode 1). Through his work, he strives to bring greater diversity to the world and highlight the beauty of diverse cultures and human experiences. Montana is also a co-founder of a Native Production company called Natives of the Apocalypse (N.O.T.A.), dedicated to empowering Natives to tell their stories.

As I sat down with my guests I began to fully understand the importance of the topic of healing ceremonies for returning military men and women and why it is an important process for those dealing with traumatic war experiences. While listening to Harrison speak about the Native/Indigenous perspectives of the spiritual practices that support returning Native/Indigenous soldiers,  I learned that ceremony can help restore balance, reintegrate returning military service men and women into their communities, and cleanse them of the impacts of war.

This episode offers a meaningful introduction to an event rooted in respect, resilience and the voices of those who have served. For more information on this upcoming event and for any questions visit Fox Theatre, or email Andre Bouchard (Executive Creative Producer/Founder) at [email protected]

In this episode I sat down with Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson (Hopi), who is an Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist of Indigenous Resilience at the University of Arizona’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment and a core faculty member of the Indigenous Resilience Center. Dr. Johnson is a Hopi tribal member and avid Hopi dryland farmer. He is a 250th-generation Hopi farmer, embodying generational ancestral knowledge learned through cultural practice, observation, and honoring what sustains life. His research focuses on Indigenous Land Use Management while integrating cultural and scientific expertise, such as Indigenous agriculture and the intersections of policy, science, and law. 

During our conversation Dr. Johnson not only discusses his work in academia but proudly shares stories of his ancestors, homelands, and planting heritage. As he reflects on his research, mentors, and experiences that shaped his work, he also opens up in a heartfelt way sharing vivid stories of the homelands that nurtured his family and the rich planting traditions he learned from spending  time with his grandparents on the Rez during summer breaks as a kid. Together, these stories reveal not only the foundations of his scholarship but the cultural lineage that continues to inspire his life and work today.

Tune in to this powerful conversation with Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson, where we explore Indigenous knowledge, food systems, and community-centered futures.

Here is a brief version of the interview that offers key highlights and insights from the full conversation.

In this inspiring episode, I sat down with Dr. Karletta Chief (Diné), a distinguished hydrologist, environmental scientist, and proud citizen of the Navajo Nation. She is the Director of the Indigenous Resilience Center, as well as a faculty member and researcher at the University of Arizona. Dr. Chief discusses her expansive work addressing environmental challenges that directly impact Indigenous communities—especially in the areas of water quality, climate resilience, and tribal community engagement.

Dr. Chief shares how her research bridges cutting-edge science with culturally grounded approaches, ensuring that tribal voices and knowledge systems remain central to environmental decision-making. She also talks about her passion for mentoring the next generation of scientists, describing the programs she leads to support students, by helping build pathways into STEM fields. Dr. Chief breaks down the many projects she’s involved in—from researching water and climate issues that affect Native communities to teaming up with tribal partners on real-world solutions.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Chief shares how her identity and community shape the way she approaches research, teaching, and collaboration. The video titled Breakthrough: Bitter Water, is a great example and visual that depicts part of our conversation in the interview, a film by Science Friday and produced in collaboration with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Whether she’s conducting field research, partnering with tribal nations, or empowering students in the classroom, Dr. Chief offers powerful insights on what it means to serve both science and community.

If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Chief’s work, here are a few helpful links:

Community Tool Kit

Off Grid Solar Nanofiltration Unit (SNF) full video

Navajo GIS Water Quality Portal

Native FEWS Alliance

AZPM Connecting indigenous communities with the science of water use Radio Interview

In this episode of Cultivating Indigenous Voices, I sat down with Andrew Pedro (Akimel O’odham),  promoter and organizer behind the Indigenous Takeover show — an awesome event bringing together metal and hardcore bands from across Turtle Island. We dive deep into the roots of this movement, exploring how heavy music has become a fierce, unapologetic form of cultural expression and resistance.

Heavy metal, a genre celebrated for its intense sound and defiant attitude, has fostered a distinctive subculture that reaches far beyond the music itself. One of the most defining elements of this subculture is the sense of community experienced at heavy metal concerts. Fans—often referred to as metalheads—come together through their shared passion for the music, forming a powerful social and cultural movement.

Together, we talk about the importance of creating spaces where Indigenous artists can take the stage, be heard, and be celebrated for their talent and message.

Over time, I’ve gotten to know Andrew and have come to admire the work he does within his community. He’s also an incredible drummer, known for his killer blast beats! Through his DIY shows, Andrew has organized numerous local metal events both on and off tribal lands across Southern Arizona, focusing on showcasing bands that feature tribal members.

We talk about what makes this kind of gathering so special — how it’s not just about the heavy riffs and mosh pits (though there’s plenty of that!), but about creating a space where Native people can show up, feel at home, and let loose. It’s about representation, community, and proving that this music — raw, powerful, and full of emotion — deserves to be heard and celebrated by everyone.

So, whether you’re deep into the metal scene or just love seeing Indigenous creativity thrive, this episode is all about the energy, passion, and purpose behind the movement. So turn it up, and let’s rock out together!

Here is a short version of the interview that offers key highlights and insights from the full conversation.

In this episode of A Student’s Journey (ASJ), we explore what it really takes for Tribal College students to transition from their community college to a major university.  A Student’s Journey (ASJ) is a year-long program that includes a five-week, on-campus summer experience at the University of Arizona. Using an experiential, internship-based approach, ASJ helps students navigate the complex process of transferring to a four-year university while providing mentorship, community, and a sense of belonging.

Daniel Sestiaga Jr. is a member of the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe of Arizona. He is the son of Daniel Sr. and the late Rosie Sestiaga. His paternal grandparents are Carlotta and the late Julio Sestiaga, and his maternal grandparents are Rosie Montoya, the late Tomas Montoya, and the late Virgil Jack. Daniel currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Indigenous Resilience Center (IRes) at the University of Arizona, where he directs the operations of the Center and provides on-site leadership for faculty, professional staff, and student teams. His leadership has contributed to impactful initiatives such as climate and justice symposiums, environmental health forums, student engagement programs, and culturally grounded research collaborations. Beyond his role at IRes, Daniel is an adjunct instructor at Tohono O’odham Community College, where he teaches courses in Community and Public Health. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Management and Policy and his Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona.

Ben Richmond serves as the Manager of Undergraduate Education Initiatives in the University of Arizona’s Division of Undergraduate Education in the Office of the Provost. He earned his BS in Public Health and MPH from the University of Arizona and is currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education. Ben’s research interest is in understanding the social and cultural barriers students face in pursuing higher education and developing higher education pathways for students. With this research focus, Ben has developed programs that target students throughout their academic journey and use culturally anchored curriculum to increase students’ knowledge and skills, improve students’ self-efficacy in pursuing higher education, increase sense of belonging on a university campus, and help students navigate campus systems.

So, what happens after community college for students from rural and tribal communities? In this episode, we explore the powerful transition from a small, close-knit community college to the fast-paced world of a major university. Through this heartfelt conversation with Daniel and Ben Richmond, we uncover the barriers these students face—financial strain, homesickness, cultural shifts, and academic pressures—and the incredible resilience that carries them through.

A Student’s Journey is more than just a program; it’s a lifeline. Designed to guide and support students from rural tribal community colleges, it connects them with mentorship, resources, and belonging as they continue their education.

Whether you’re a student preparing for your next step, an educator supporting transfer pathways, or a donor passionate about Native student success, this episode shines a light on how programs like ASJ are changing lives and empowering future leaders from Tribal Colleges across the nation.

Here is a brief version of the interview that offers key highlights and insights from the full conversation.

In this powerful episode, I interview Sehila Mota Casper, Executive Director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC) to explore the urgent need to preserve Latinx historical sites across the United States. LHC was co-founded in 2014 by an intergenerational group of heritage practitioners, advocates, scholars, and students interested in building a national network to support Latinx preservation efforts across the country. Despite Latinx communities making up nearly 20% of the U.S. population, less than 1% of sites on the National Register of Historic Places reflect Latinx heritage — a sobering statistic that underscores how entire chapters of American history risk being erased before they’re ever acknowledged.

Here is a brief version of the interview that offers key highlights and insights from the full conversation.

Tucson is a big part of the Latino in Heritage Conservation’s origin story and has for many years been a regularly visited place for their team to convene with Tucson folks in regards to the work of heritage, conservation, storytelling, and building community relationships. Through various projects Tucson has become a fixed destination for LHC staff to collaborate with various partners, while continuing to build a network throughout the U.S.

Sehila highlights LHC’s latest initiative recognizing 13 significant Latinx landmarks across 10 states, which includes Anitas Street Market in Barrio Anita here in Tucson. LHC launched this program called the Endangered Latinx Landmarks as part of the initiative to preserve and educate the public about sites that hold immense cultural, historical, and social significance, and face dangers such as demolition, gentrification, neglect, and the effects of climate change. These range from tortilla shops and LGBTQ+ safe spaces to murals, cemeteries, and adobe churches — all places that serve as anchors of memory, migration, and resilience. Each site carries the weight of everyday stories that collectively shape the American experience, yet many face immediate threats from gentrification, demolition, and climate change. The conversation emphasizes that historic preservation is about more than buildings — it’s about recognition, visibility, and care. It’s a call to ensure that Latinx communities see their stories reflected and preserved in the cultural narrative of the nation. LHC’s work is rooted in preserving the histories of the Latinx heritage, people, and places.

Here is a brief version of the interview that offers key highlights and insights from the full conversation.

In this inspiring episode, I sat down with Josie Rios (Akimel O’odham/Gila River Indian Community), a talented artisan jeweler and visionary founder of the Indigenous Market based here in Tucson. I first crossed paths with Josie while we were helping put together a Matriarch Mixer event here in Tucson — but I’d already been familiar with her powerful work in the community. In this episode, we dive into the drive and passion behind Josie’s journey of highlighting the work of the Indigenous community through art, culture, and entrepreneurship. As a Tucsonan, Josie also  recollects a few memories from her childhood to her adult life and how it connects her to the work she is involved in today. She also explores what it means to create with intention — and how the Indigenous Market has become a thriving platform for cultural connection and economic empowerment.

Josie shares her story about how she learned and practiced beading at a young age while doing volunteer work at the Tucson Indian Center where they provided a good creative-social environment to do crafts for people of all ages. It was then that she first started doing bead work and was a fast learner, to which she eventually started offering individual attention and constructive feedback to others. Today, she has her own workspace likely equipped with pliers, needles, bead mats, and various types of stringing material, creating handcrafted beaded jewelry for her own business called Beads Over Diamonds.

When Josie began to think about the idea of planning a market, she imagined it to be a place where all Native/Indigenous artisans could be welcomed and not singled out because of the sometimes limited, non-compete policy some market organizers put in place along with other obstacles she faced as a vender. She also thought about how she could make the process easier for folks who may not have the necessities to have a booth setup or to cover the financial fee. Josie believes that by focusing on holistic support and cultural protocols makes for a more welcoming place for Native/Indigenous vendors. She also envisioned a place to celebrate diversity and cultivate a safe, inclusive space for Two-spirit/LGBTQ+ artists, makers, and entrepreneurs to join as vendors and share their creativity, culture, and stories.

Episode 43 features Native Public Media President/CEO Loris Taylor, who has been on the frontlines voicing, and fighting to address the need and importance of radio and public media in Native/Indigenous communities as things unravel at the hands of the current U.S. administration. Currently, Congress has voted to claw back $1.9 billion dollars in federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which for some tribal radio stations is a tremendous loss in funding. Recently, the rescission package passed the House, and now after that decision all funding from the CPB that was previously approved for radio stations will be cut off starting as soon as October 2025 and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will shut down. Loris also addresses the negative impacts tribal and non-commercial radio stations could face with the change in funding cuts and the importance public media has in tribal/rural communities who rely on readily available information that relates specifically to their tribal communities as well as Nationwide news on tribal radio stations.

Here is a brief version of the interview that offers key highlights and insights from the full conversation.

Having worked at a tribal radio station as an on-air DJ and board operator at KWAK-LP and KOHN O’odham Hewel Niok Network for a few years, I understand firsthand how important radio is in rural communities. It’s a resource that shares immediate community information about local news, celebrations, memorials, tribal meetings, youth content, cultural and language programs. During my time working for my tribe’s radio station, the local long running newspaper called “The Runner,” had retired, shifting more people to tune in to radio for local tribal content/news. During the COVID-19 pandemic, radio broadcasting and related media services were widely recognized and designated as essential services by various governmental entities in the US and other countries, including tribal communities. It was then I realized that radio is a vital lifeline for communication and information during catastrophic events that impacts local communities within’ tribal lands. As radio broadcasters it’s not always just about the music, it is our duty to be of service to our community, and to be ready to deliver immediate information to the masses in times of celebration and uncertainty. About 92% of public tribal radio stations’ funding comes from the federal government, which puts them in a particularly fragile position. With the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE),  most tribes are already facing dramatic cut back with the loss of federal funding that affects resources such as  health programs, educational programs, groups and organizations  perceived as promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion etc.   

In this episode I feature Jasmine Lopez (Tohono O’odham), who is a young aspiring filmmaker and community advocate. Jasmine was raised on the Southside of Tucson by her Grandmother Roselene, oringinally from the village of Gu-Oidag (Big Fields) on the Tohono O’odham Nation. She is currently a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Management in Information Systems with a minor in American Indian studies, while working for the program A Students Journey.

I first discovered Jasmine when she held the title as Miss Native American University of Arizona 2024-2025. We recently met in person and it was then I learned more about the work she does as a student and aspiring filmmaker. Her early introductory to recording videos started as a young girl creating short films on her cell phone using the app iMovie. To her the idea of creating videos on the most accessible resource, an app for most digital devices like a cell phone, iPad, computer etc., was fun making playful cinematic shots and stories.

In 2023 during her time as an undergraduate student at the Tohono O’odham Community College she was awarded the opportunity to intern with the Student’s Journey program at the UofA, to work on a film project of a topic of her choice. Jasmine’s subject matter was environmental justice where she highlighted the issue of the history of TCE water contamination in South Tucson that was largely caused by and centered around industrial activities and defense-related facilities. Below is the short-film titled, “O’odham Su:dag – The People’s Water – A Tohono O’odham Jewed (Land) Story.”

Today, Jasmine is currently working on a grant funded short-film about indigenous love! She was awarded a grant from the American Indian College Fund – Student Professional Development Grant Program. In the interview she goes more in-depth about her plans as her role as the director and pre-production that includes script development, casting, location(s), etc. Aside from being a filmmaker, she is also interested in developing her own business as a managing consulting firm. I hope you enjoy listening to Jasmine’s story and if you wish to support her work she can be reached on Instagram @ripyoungjas and on Linkedin as Jasmine Lopez. Thank you for tuning in!

Here is a brief version of the interview that offers key highlights and insights from the full conversation.