The Indigenous Forestry Focus Area (IFFA) is designed as a set of core courses where you can learn ways to explore many of the patterns of land use employed by Indigenous Nations throughout North America. Sustainable land use perspectives based on Indigenous cultural knowledge can provide valuable insight into ways that natural resources can be used and managed for the mutual benefit of the biosphere and humanity.

The core requirements will be extended by courses you select in consultation with your advisor and the coordinator of the IFFA, Dr Thom Alcoze. Recommended courses include 1) FOR 250 which will provide you with a basic understanding of forest and wildlife ecology that can be applied to other ecosystems and global issues and 2) FOR 485 which is an opportunity for you to develop your knowledge and understanding of how to do authentic research in the context of traditional knowledge and modern natural resources. It is recommended that the topic you select incorporate your major field of study with the ideas generated by you as part of the Indigenous Forestry Focus Area. Opportunities are also available to study global indigenous management systems.

"The life and knowledge of natural ecosystems guides our understanding."

For help in coordinating your courses please contact: 

Thom Alcoze
Telephone: 928-523-5972
Email: Thom.Alcoze@nau.edu

For course requirement information, please refer to Indigenous Forestry Focus Area.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 21 October 2009 )