Certificate Programs
Indigenous Peoples and the Environment

Program Overview

The need for environmental professionals to work respectfully and meaningfully with Indigenous Nations is increasingly recognized. Today’s environmental professionals must be prepared to engage respectfully with multiple worldviews and ways of knowing, in alliance with Indigenous Nations, with an understanding of and respect for sovereignty and rights. This certificate builds foundational skills in this area, preparing graduate students to advance research and the caretaking of our environment in partnership with Indigenous Nations.

The certificate is developed and guided by SUNY ESF's Center for Native Peoples and the Environment (CNPE), a nationally renowned center in Indigenous-led environmental conservation, restoration, and research.

Upon completion of this Certificate, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the impact of colonial and decolonial forces throughout history at local, national, and global scales with
   respect to land and resources;
2. Articulate the value of Indigenous knowledge systems;
3. Describe processes for Indigenous-led conservation;
4. Describe research between multiple worldviews in alliance with Indigenous Nations; and
5. Evaluate co-management and co-production efforts with Indigenous Nations on their respect for Indigenous
   sovereignty and the rights of Indigenous Nations.

Certificate Requirements

The Advanced Certificate in Indigenous Peoples and the Environment requires the completion of three courses (nine credit hours):

Indigenous Issues and the Environment (EFB 605)

Introduction to perspectives of Indigenous people on environmental and natural resources management issues, including tribal forestry, fisheries, biocultural restoration, conservation strategies, climate change and treaty rights. Integrates scientific and Indigenous worldviews and knowledge systems. Offered spring.

Indigenous Research Methods (EST 709)

This course introduces the epistemological foundations, ethical considerations, and methods of Indigenous research frameworks. It centers principles such as reciprocity, responsibility, clear communication, community input, and relationship building, and engages foundational texts by Indigenous scholars to explore Indigenous ways of knowing and their place within academic research.

Community Based Participatory Research (EST 715)

Foundations of community-based participatory research (CBPR) in environmental fields. Explores theory, practice, and examples of CBPR to provide students with the foundations and tools necessary to engage CBPR approaches within their graduate research and professional environmental practice. Graduate students of all disciplines are welcome. Offered fall.

This certificate includes nine credit hours from across these courses. All courses are offered in-person at the SUNY ESF campus in Syracuse, New York. Alternative educational experiences can be petitioned to count in place of a course if learning objectives are met.

Student Eligibility and administrative procedures

All current SUNY ESF graduate students in good academic standing are eligible to enroll; admission to this certificate requires graduate student status with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Applicants who are not currently enrolled at ESF apply through the ESF Graduate Office and are reviewed by the CNPE curriculum committee. The committee also reviews petitions to count alternative educational experiences in place of a course where learning objectives are met, and evaluates any requested exceptions to admission requirements.

Academic Advisement

Dr. Kyle Artelle, Dr. Madeline Nyblade, and Dr. Jean Kayira advise students in the certificate program, with Dr. Artelle serving as the program’s point of contact. Students also receive academic support through their home departmental programs and community support through the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment.