Weaving Nihok’aa Diyin Traditional Knowledge Systems with Western Science: Co-creating Dual-Learning Environments in Underserved Communities

This chapter focuses on weaving traditional Tribal knowledge systems with Western science, and in the process co-creating dual-learning environments that serve underserved communities. As an illustration of this approach, the chapter describes the project NASA and the Navajo Nation (NNN) which is an on-going partnership between the NASA Astrobiology Program, the Navajo Nation Department of Education (DODE) Board of Education, Navajo Technical University (NTU), and grassroots Navajo Nation education stakeholders that are collectively co-creating educational STEM materials and activities about and for the Navajo Nation. NNN methodologies are specifically co-designed to broaden underrepresented Navajo Nation participation in STEM by linking the development of STEM identity with that of cultural identity for Navajo youth starting at a young age and continuing throughout college and beyond. NNN co-created educational materials, activities, and resource innovations stem from developing long-term in-depth relationships that have enabled deepened understanding of the issues, challenges, and barriers that sometimes hinder the available pathways for Navajo youth becoming fully participatory within STEM endeavors.