
Applying culturally-responsive models for mentorship, research, teaching and engagement
The Indigenous Land and Data Stewards Lab is an interdisciplinary research lab supporting Indigenous and community-based natural resource stewardship. Our research works to better understand and apply local and Indigenous knowledge and governance systems in natural resources focused research and education.
Weaving tradition and innovation
Our work is directly informed by Indigenous values, ethics, and worldviews. In doing so, we honor knowledge and experience from sources not often represented in academic research, including community knowledge keepers, elders, and customary teachings and protocols.
Photo by Brianne Dewani Lauro. Brianne’s uncle, Joshua Cabreros, throws his net over a school of mullet at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Story here.

Our work includes
Research on policy and practice
Our research helps identify gaps and needs in natural resource policy and practice and provides tangible, evidence-based solutions.
Building a living resource
We are transforming our field by encouraging understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and providing resources for relational and reconciliation-based work with communities.
Photo by Brianne Dewani Lauro. Brianne’s father, Steve Lauro, holds the outer layer of a fragrant maile vine as he puts together a lei.
Supporting Indigenous stewards
We support a growing community of Indigenous land and data stewards by providing mentorship and research support for up & coming generations.
Photo by Braelynn Lauro. Braelynn’s sister, Brianne Lauro, holds her catch and three-prong spear after diving with her father for he’e (octopus).

“Stewardship means acting responsibly to serve the needs of a community”

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Collaborate with us!
We support scholars and community members interested in scientific research that transcends disciplinary boundaries. We seek collaborators and students interested in engaging their communities and developing research practices that are grounded in reciprocity to land, community, and healthy lifeways.
