Outcome

In our pursuit of educational excellence and cultural preservation, I’ve designed this initiative to present to my tribe to help create an interactive digital learning experience to enhance the ongoing fisheries and environmental initiatives. This case study unveils the voyage from vision to realization, culminating in the Yurok Fish Learning App.

 

Context

The Yurok Tribe, steeped in a legacy of environmental harmony, sought to rekindle the flames of indigenous knowledge and conservation practices. Faced with dwindling awareness of native fish species and their significance, we set out to bridge the gap. Our mission was clear: reawaken our community’s connection to the river, its fish, and the land.

 

Problem

Our ancestral rivers have nurtured our people for centuries, providing sustenance and cultural significance. However, modern challenges threatened the vitality of these ecosystems. Diminished knowledge of local fish species, historical preparation methods, and environmental impacts imperiled our heritage. It was imperative to rekindle our relationship with the river, educate our community, and empower them to become stewards of this sacred land.

 

Solution

The Yurok Fish Learning App was conceived as a multi-faceted solution to rejuvenate our connection with the river:

Rediscovering Our Roots: We delved deep into Yurok history, unearthing forgotten knowledge about native fish species, their Yurok names, and traditional preparation techniques.

Illuminating the Past: The app showcased the historical significance of these fish, their role in Yurok ceremonies, and their influence on our tribe’s development.

Understanding Environmental Impact: Users were encouraged to explore the historical and contemporary effects of habitat changes, overfishing, and climate shifts on our river’s ecosystems.

Empowering Stewardship: Through interactive modules, the app guided users in crafting actionable plans to aid the Yurok Tribe in fisheries management and habitat restoration.