First Nations Development Institute’s Post

First Nations Program and Operations Officer Ariana Gloria-Martinez successfully defended her thesis last week, toward the completion of her Masters of Science degree in Rangeland Ecosystem Science from Colorado State University. Entitled “Learning from the Lived Experiences of Lakota, Navajo, Chicana, Latina, and Hispanic Women Ranchers Across Turtle Island through Pláticas,” Ariana’s thesis explores ranching as a cultural, ecological, and spiritual practice grounded in responsibility and care, and it affirms pláticas (relational dialogue and story sharing) as a feminist, relational, and transformative method that supports depth, trust, and shared interpretation. Ariana’s research advances the reimagination of rangeland science toward justice and Indigenous sovereignty. Congratulations, Ariana! 🎉