The complexity of human and natural systems in freshwater resources management requires an interdisciplinary research framework to sustain the social and ecological function of the system. The integration of multiple disciplines can inform holistic water resources management practices to enhance the adaptive capacity of the environment and neighboring communities. The Coeur d’Alene Basin, located in northern Idaho, has been inundated with toxic metal contamination from legacy mining activities, impacting the social and ecological systems of the surrounding communities and environment. In partnership with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, multidisciplinary collaborative approaches (MCA) were implemented to study the water resources management of the Coeur d’Alene Basin. The MCA applies multidisciplinary methodologies in science technology engineering and math (STEM) education, natural sciences (e.g. Limnology), and social ecological systems (SES) through participatory action research methodologies grounded in the fundamental characteristics of Indigenous Research—relationship, respect, reciprocity, and responsibility. The overarching objective of this study is to implement MCA to enhance the adaptive capacity of a Tribal community made vulnerable by complex environmental change. Therefore, this study seeks to answer the following question: how can interdisciplinary research facilitated by participatory processes enhance the adaptive capacity of Native American Tribal communities impacted by complex environmental change?
Results/Conclusions
The need to engage in interdisciplinary research is demonstrated by the complexity of water resources issues facing the Coeur d’Alene Basin and surrounding communities. The interconnections between the Coeur d’Alene Tribal community and the natural environment requires a systems approach that acknowledges a cross-cultural perspective. Facilitating an integrated multidisciplinary research study through participatory action research methodologies with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe acknowledged the voice, ideas, and practices of the Tribal community and agency. As such, this interdisciplinary approach is intended to develop the leadership capacity of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Preliminary qualitative data (e.g., surveys and interviews) collected from the MCA has shown the leadership capacity of the Tribe to increase on a community level. Specifically, leadership development was demonstrated by the ability of community members to articulate these water quality issues from a western science perspective and relate this knowledge to their Tribal culture at various education and outreach events conducted over 2016 and 2017. Greater leadership capacity within the Tribal community can enhance the ability of this Native Nation to cope with future complex environmental change and maintain their inherent sovereign rights.