Ecological Distress and Climate Adaptation of the Oglala Lakota

This research project reports findings from an ethnographic study conducted by School of Health student, Arjun Chabra, who spent the summer of 2024 living among the Oglala Lakota people in South Dakota. The study attempts to understand and highlight the lived experience of the Oglala Lakota people on the Pine Ridge Reservation, examining how negative impacts of climate change on natural habitats, ways of life, and valued species and plants bring about psychological responses of distress and loss among those affected. This project entailed qualitative interviews as well as a participatory action research method known as PhotoVoice, in which participants were asked to share salient photographs connected to the natural landscape of Pine Ridge and describe their meaning and importance.

This event is open to the public and will be held in-person at Georgetown University's Mortara Center; a zoom link will also be shared closer to the event date. The event will be followed by a reception with refreshments and photography exhibition. There will be two Lakota community members presenting at the event and available for questions during the reception. Please RSVP to attend.

Host or Publisher Georgetown University School of Health, Department of Global Health