Traditional_GIS Dawn Aims Back
Dawn Delaney Aims 
Back,Water Policy Planner, AmskapiPikuni (Blackfeet
Tribe)- Agriculture Resource Management Plan (AMRP)
Presentation/Introduction at 2018 SCGIS Tribal Panel Discussion:
PROFILE & BACKGROUND:
"Dawn Delaney-Aims Back, is the Blackfeet Water Policy Planner for the Agricultural Resource Management Plan. In May of 2016 Dawn graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a minor in Native American Studies. And two associates of Science from Blackfeet Community College; Earth Science and Environmental Science.
Throughout her schooling Dawn had always partaken in research related jobs. As a fellow BCC student she conduct field and lab studies pertaining to soil and water and integrated teachings from Blackfeet elders on medicinal plants usage, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. And as an undergraduate at MSU she studied Plant biology with relation to the Wheat Streak Mosaic virus, which attacks crops; where the vector resides within the salvia of mites and is passed through the plants as the mites live and feed off the plant.
As she expanded her network, Dawn became more involved with working with a couple of non- profit, while pursuing her undergraduate at MSU. Each internship lasted a year at the Wilderness Society and the Wildlife Conservation Society, where she engaged in more of a social science on issues that related to Climate change, to fracking, and working closely with tribes on Bison conservation.
Dawn was also given the chance to partake in international research as an undergraduate at MSU. The National Science Foundation had awarded MSU a grant to conduct and exchange research regarding indigenous groups from the United States and Russia. MSU awarded Native American students within STEM to apply and partake in a unique experience. Dawn focused her study on the sacred sites and how the people of Altai mandated and protected there sites and over an oil pipe being built into China and compared her tribe (Blackfeet) protection of sacred sites and oil extraction within the Badger Two Medicine. She feels forever grateful and humble to have met the Altai People. There were many simulator ties within the Plains culture and the Altai People. Take for example were both on the 49th parallel, similar geography, and similar culture to the plains tribes of the United States.
Dawn was also the USDA Extension agent at Blackfeet Community College in the Fall of 2016. Where she conducted and participated with a number of stockholders to bring conferences related to the agricultural community. She also hired a number of BCC students to assist with greenhouse related jobs and conduct research related to botany". (Taken Oct, 2018 from the Blackfeet tribe staff profiles on the ARMP Program Profile page)
SCGIS Tribal & Sovereignty GIS Program introduction, 2018
Traditional Ecological Knowledge Presentation: (abstract of a paper given at the Montana Water Summit, Helena MT, Mar 6-7, 2018)
"Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Western Science for Optimal Agricultural Resource Management Plan"
“The valuable oral history that is passed down through one generation to the next sets a tone that echoes the relationship between environment and the Amskapi Pikuni (The Real People- Blackfeet). Dawn Delaney- Aims Back reflects on the conversation on Farmers/ Ranchers and the need to conserve the land with high respects to culture in mind. This approach allows to observe the natural process and incorporate it into modern day management, through the concept of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western science; the two sustain and blend the notion for overall healthy ecosystems and adequate water management.”
