Native Americans: Where in Environmental Justice Research?

Area of Science:

• Environmental Justice Studies
• Indigenous Studies
• Public Health
• Climate Justice

Background:

• Significant progress in environmental justice (EJ) over the past two decades, yet Native American communities remain underserved.
• Unique political and cultural factors influence the study and application of EJ within Native American contexts.
• Historical trauma linked to environmental issues persists in Indigenous communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize existing literature on environmental justice issues specific to Native Americans.
• To highlight the distinct challenges and considerations in Native American EJ research and advocacy.
• To identify knowledge gaps and outline future research directions in Native American climate justice.

Main Methods:

• Cross-disciplinary literature search.
• Analysis of over 60 publications focusing on Native American environmental justice.
• Synthesis of research strategies and climate justice issues.

Main Results:

• Native American EJ is shaped by unique political and cultural dynamics, necessitating tailored research approaches.
• Strategies employed in Native American EJ research often address historical trauma and ongoing environmental harms.
• Climate justice is a critical and emerging concern within Native American environmental justice discourse.

Conclusions:

• There is a substantial need for continued research and policy development to advance environmental justice for Native Americans.
• Future research should focus on understanding and mitigating the unique environmental burdens faced by Indigenous peoples.
• Addressing knowledge gaps is crucial for effective strategies in Native American climate justice and overall environmental equity.