ERIC Number: EJ1483027
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: N/A
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1052-5505
EISSN: EISSN-2163-3630
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Desert Drones: Cultural and Natural Resource Conservation at Tohono O'odham Community College
Adrian Quijada; Ivan Parra-Salazar; Eric D. Verwys; Laura Lujo-Montes; Caroline Patrick-Birdwell; Mario Montes-Helu
Tribal College Journal of American Indian Higher Education, v37 n1 2025
Tribal data sovereignty is an essential component of self-determination and the preservation of cultural identity for Native American tribes. In the modern age, technology has become a critical tool in this endeavor, particularly the use of drones for monitoring natural resources and the development of drone database training programs. The Tohono O'odham Nation, located in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona, is a territory rich in natural resources that have sustained its people for generations. Conservation is a central tenet of the Tohono O'odham approach to natural resource management. The nation has established policy to preserve critical habitats and species. These efforts are supported by environmental education programs that promote sustainable practices among the community. The Tohono O'odham Natural Resources Department (TONDNR) plays a pivotal role in these initiatives, overseeing the management and protection of the nation's natural assets. The Tohono O'odham Community College (TOCC) responds to the needs of the TONDNR by providing associate's degrees and micro-certificate programs in areas that support natural resources conservation efforts. One of its current foremost efforts is a drone technology or unmanned aerial vehicle certificate program. By investing in drone training, tribes can protect their lands and sustainably manage resources. These initiatives will enhance the resilience and prosperity of tribal communities across the United States and beyond. The Tohono O'odham Nation's integration of drone technology will reflect a blend of tradition and innovation, empowering them to address contemporary challenges while preserving cultural heritage.
Descriptors: American Indian Students, Community Colleges, Conservation (Environment), Conservation Education, Cultural Maintenance, Natural Resources, Technology Uses in Education, Influence of Technology, Aviation Mechanics, Aviation Technology, Robotics
Tribal College Journal of American Indian Higher Education. P.O. Box 720, Mancos, CO 81328. Tel: 888-899-6693; Fax: 970-533-9145; Web site: http://www.tribalcollegejournal.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Arizona
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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