Dr. Lydia Jennings

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN DE DIOS

Today's #matriarchmonday is a beautiful, active, intelligent soul @llcooljennings. Dr. Lydia Jennings is an Indigenous researcher, runner and #risingmatriarch.

Lydia grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico (Tewa lands) and is Huichol (Wixáritari) and Pascua Yaqui (Yoeme), now studying in Tucson, Arizona (O’odham & Yaqui lands). Lydia earned her Bachelors of Science from California State University and is studying at the University of Arizona in the Department of Environmental Sciences, with a minor in American Indian Policy. Her research interests are in soil health, environmental remediation, Indigenous science, mining policy, and environmental data ownership by tribal nations.

This past weekend Lydia ran a 50 mile prayer run to honor and celebrate her PhD and 50 Indigenous Scientists and Knowledge keepers who have inspired her. We are definitely inspired by her work and her effort to honor those who elevated her journey.

Be sure to check out Lydia and her running mates on their project @willrunforsoil and https://nativesoilnerd.com.

Photo credit nativesoilnerd.com