Meet the Scientist: Dr. Kelsey Leonard
As a water scientist and protector, Kelsey Leonard seeks to establish Indigenous traditions of water conservation as the foundation for international water policy-making.
Dr. Kelsey Leonard represents the Shinnecock Nation on the Mid-Atlantic Committee on the Ocean, which is charged with protecting America’s ocean ecosystems and coastlines. She also serves as a member of the Great Lakes Water Quality Board of the International Joint Commission. Dr. Leonard has been instrumental in safeguarding the interests of Indigenous Nations for environmental planning, and builds Indigenous science and knowledge into new solutions for water governance and sustainable oceans.
Kelsey Leonard speaks at TEDWomen 2019: Bold + Brilliant, December 4-6, 2019, Palm Springs, California. Photo: Marla Aufmuth / TED
Click HERE to hear her Ted talk
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CHALLENGE:
Go on a Water Walk! Pick a body of water near your house and go with your parents on a walk safely along the water. Take time to notice things about the water. Does it flow? Is it still? What color is the water? Does it look healthy? Are there a lot of plants around it, etc? Also, spend time just breathing and thinking about the water. Listen to it, too.
Take a picture of the body of water or draw a picture of it when you get home.
Be sure to write down something you learned from your water walk. With your parents permission, send it to us via email at podcast@solveitforkids.com OR tag us on our Twitter or Instagram account @kidssolve
If you submit the challenge OR leave a comment below about the episode, You will be entered to win a FREE book!
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FREE Book for this episode!
Written by Carole Lindstrom; illustrated by Michaela Goade
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption—a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.
BOOK LIST
The Water Walker — written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson
Nibi is Water — written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson
Nibi’s Water Song — by Sunshine Tenasco Illustrated by Chief Lady Bird
I am the Elwha by Robert Elofson and Lori Peelen
Women and GIS, Volume 2: Stars of Spatial Science
Activities for Kids
