During Native American Heritage Month, USDA Science recognizes the invaluable contributions that Native American employees have made in advancing agricultural science and innovation that benefits us all. From advancing Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge in research to ensuring the next generation of agriculture is inspired to lead—the employees spotlighted below are an integral part of carrying out USDA’s mission.
Name: Shannon Taylor
Title: Staff Assistant
Agency/Office: USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Briefly describe your job.
I am focused on NIFA’s McIntire Stennis Cooperative Forest Research (MSCFR) Program and projects including those implemented by Salish Kootenai College (Montana) and Leech Lake Tribal College (Minnesota). This program is meant to increase forestry research and train future forestry scientists. I am also a member of NIFA’s Traditional Knowledge Task Force and focused on data sovereignty.
Tell us about your heritage and what it means to you.
I am White Mountain Apache and Navajo, residing on the ancestral lands of my mother’s people, Dzil Ligaii Saan N’dee (White Mountain Apache) in northeastern Arizona, which has a diverse ecosystem consisting of desert, woodlands and forests with a wide range of wildlife. The White Mountain Apache once lived, gathered, hunted and protected their homelands that spread across Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico. They were protectors and warriors. They showed respect for all living things to ensure the environment, people and future generations had what they needed to survive. Today, the White Mountain Apache still carry out these traditions. We are modern-day warriors, protectors and products of our ancestors' survival.
How do you honor your heritage and culture at work?
I believe that Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) passed on to me while growing up has had a significant influence on my environmental understanding and practice. My career goals at NIFA are to apply my knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital map-making, as well as advancing the representation of Indigenous people and knowledge in environmental decision making and Indigenous data sovereignty.
What is your favorite cultural tradition and why?
I have several favorite cultural traditions, from attending the Coming-of-Age Ceremonies for young girls called the “Sunrise Dance” to attending healing ceremonies that sometimes consist of all day or night singing and dancing. My most favorite tradition is anytime spent with my family, attending ceremonies, dancing or sitting together and eating traditional Apache foods like Acorn Stew, Nada Bun and corn mush.