Forrest - The Adventure Begins

Wow! Where does one begin to talk about their experiences at Shannon Point Marine Center?   Do you first talk about the research that's been done here and what my research entails or do I talk about the differences I observed between Western science and Native Environmental Science?  There are so many aspects to go over.

 For the first week I find myself observing the various researches going  here at Shannon Point.  The dedication to seeing the effects we are having on our planet with the pollution we are creating everyday in the form of CO₂.   Mainly the cause of ocean acidification and the changing of the pH in the ocean, this is not also including other bodies of water throughout the world.  Water being sacred to many indigenous cultures through the world is also the main element for the survival of life on this planet.  In reality we are experiencing many of the effects of carbon dioxide  we are making on our planet.  With the ever changing weather patterns throughout the globe, causing drought to effect some regions of the world and others like here in the Northwest having an abundance of rain fall but lacking warmer temperatures during the Summer months.

It is easy to see this happening just by observing our world and areas we come from but it is doing the research to prove that this is not just a pattern in the weather but that we are having a great impact on the survival of our planet.  By doing research we are able to predict what will happen in the coming years and give a possible solution to the problem but it is through scientific data we can change the minds of the few that see things in a different light.  It is removing the ignorance from the part of society that is only looking at things in a short sighted manner and not in a long range viewpoint.  From a Native American perspective we believe that our generation has to think ahead for the next seven generations.  What kind of world are we leaving for our children and future generations?

Being the first student from Northwest Indian College to have the honor to attend Shannon Point Marine Center is a huge honor in itself.  But it is the work that needs to done, starts here for me.  Being surrounded by the beauty of the landscapes and seascapes of the San Juan Islands is incredible but making sure that we can hold on to such a beautiful world to be shared for generations.