Returning Power to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe: Energy Policy and Tribal Autonomy

This policy brief addresses tribal autonomy, energy policy, and the resources of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe in Massachusetts. Tribal sovereignty has been a difficult and often painful area of discussion for many tribal communities. For generations, tribes have had to carefully navigate their interactions with colonial forces and the residues of colonialist legacies, especially tied to resource wealth and decision-making. Even with the best of efforts by the tribe, their actions often have not impacted the basic legal or economic situations on-the-ground. Their on-going relationships with states and companies continue to undermine tribal autonomy and sovereignty oftentimes simply because they are seen as ‘different’ and ‘lesser’. These behaviors from the now naturalized U.S. government oppresses them. Even in 2024, many tribes in the U.S. still stand at square one in regards to decision-making about valuable resources. In the West, with reservations spanning thousands of miles, many tribal homes do not have basic utilities, such as electricity and sewage services. In the East, however, tribes are just getting back small patches of their land and can look to the West for inspiration on building infrastructure for tribal members. When it comes to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe in Massachusetts, their autonomy continues to be tested, as they are not the sole owners of their resources. This policy brief reviews the underlying history, especially the legal history, of the Wampanoag and immediately related groups. More specifically, it suggests alternatives to extant policy that improve tribal autonomy and energy self-reliance in an era of imbalanced power that weakens tribal self-determination. These policy alternatives take into account economic and social barriers that affect the tribe and, moreover, offer a basic income plan that redefines tribal relations and demands accountability from outsiders

Study Abroad Impact in the Mid-term: Influence on Professional Development in Japan

This mixed methods research study explores the impacts of studying abroad for Japanese individuals and examines how these experiences shape their professional development in the mid-term. This research also investigates whether there are any discernible generational differences in these impacts between older millennials and younger millennials. Data collection consists of a survey with seventeen participants and in-depth interviews with four participants. The findings suggest that participants reported that studying abroad had a transformative impact on both older millennials and younger millennials through the development of skills, including cross-cultural communication, cultural competence, global understanding, and language, and had a relatively positive impact on participants\u27 professional development in the mid-term. However, some of the skills and knowledge gained through study abroad do not always align with the skills and knowledge used in participants\u27 professional work, such as problem-solving and leadership. These findings also demonstrate that younger millennials have had greater opportunities for international exposure and are less risk-averse and more individualistic, whereas older millennials tend to be less individualistic and value long-term orientation when making decisions regarding their professional development. This research provides valuable insights for international educators to narrow the discrepancies between skills and knowledge gained abroad and used in the workplace. These efforts will have meaningful impacts on participants’ professional development in the mid-term. Consequently, these efforts align with the Japanese government’s internationalization strategies and support Japanese company\u27s efforts to hire globally-minded individuals. Keywords: cultural capital, human capital, generational theory, internationalization, Japan, professional development, study abroa

10 Meters to Disaster: The Challenges of Premature Application of Circular Economy Strategies in Jakarta’s Waste Management Structure

Jakarta\u27s complex issue of waste management encompasses a multitude of challenges that include inefficiencies in infrastructure, a lack of public awareness of the consequences of an inadequate waste system, socioeconomic disparities, and a deficiency in intersectoral collaboration. The urgency for holistic and sustainable solutions that prioritize proactive waste collection is underscored by the complexities of these dynamics. This field study paper argues that the attention that is being drawn towards trending waste management innovations, which are reactive strategies, could bring the waste crisis in Jakarta to an even more critical state. The sections will critically examine current waste management efforts and argue for concerted action to implement systematic solutions that can effectively tackle Jakarta’s mounting waste management challenges. By redirecting attention towards proactive strategies that address underlying issues and develop community engagement, the paper advocates for a transformative shift in current waste management paradigms

White-Fronted Capuchins (Cebus albifrons aequatorialis) in La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve: A Study of Aggressive Behaviors in Response to Human Presence

The Ecuadorian white-fronted capuchin, Cebus albifrons aequatorialis, is a critically endangered primate species native to Ecuador and northern Peru. Their population consists of only a handful of surviving troops spread out across this region. One surviving population exists in La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve in Ecuador. This reserve serves as an education and volunteer site for dozens of international travelers every year. I studied the effect of the presence of humans and the lodging they have constructed. Specifically, I investigated the effect on behavior of the proximity of the troops alpha male to manmade structures in the reserve. I found that the alpha was significantly more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors when close to a structure. With 10.21% of all behaviors observed close to the structures being aggression, compared to only 0.39% in any other location. The reason for their tendency to travel within a close proximity to a structures is theorized to be for foraging needs, as foraging consisted of 41.53% of behaviors near structures and only 11.37% away from structures. This relationship is extremely concerning because acts of aggression in primates are known to increase the individual\u27s stress levels. Elevated stress levels can have a plethora of negative health effects and decrease an individual\u27s net fitness. For a species so critically endangered the utmost care must be taken with surviving members of the species. With the results from my study I recommend attempting to reduce the potential contact with the troop in locations with a structure by removing all possible foraging sites within 25 meters

Nutri-Score, Warning Signs, and Facts Up Front – In Theory and In Practice A Comparative Analysis of the Effectiveness of Front-of-Package Labeling Systems

Suboptimal diets contribute significantly to poor health and chronic diseases, with excessive sodium intake and low consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables being major risk factors. To address this global nutrition burden, various countries have implemented front-of-package labeling (FOPL) systems such as the Nutri-Score, Warning Signs, and Facts Up Front. This paper aims to analyze the effectiveness of these systems – which vary in development, design, content, and implementation – in both theory and practice. The methodology involves a comparative analysis of three FOPL systems, assessing their theoretical effectiveness with international guidelines and practical effectiveness through expert interviews and secondary data. Findings show that while both the Nutri-Score and Warning Signs generally adhere to international guidelines, the Nutri-Score faces more divisive consensus, while the Facts Up Front label lacks in several crucial areas. The three systems have varying degrees of academic, industry, and government support, with the voluntary, non-interpretive Facts Up Front label being most preferred by the industry and less supported by research, whereas the vice versa applies for the government-mandated, interpretive Warning Signs label, and the voluntary, interpretive Nutri-Score garners both support and dissent from all stakeholders

We are not only Filipin(x) at home : A qualitative case study centering a Filipinx/Filipinx American parent-organized learning collective

This qualitative case study centers on a Filipinx/Filipinx American parent-organized learning collective that emerged amid the COVID-19 pandemic providing virtual story times centering Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) characters and authors. The research shares the experiences and perspectives of the founding members and organizers and the early evolution of the learning collective for children and families who want to be connected to the Philippines – through Tagalog language, arts, and cultural practices. Through critical race and decolonial theoretical lenses, the author, a Filipina American motherscholar and practitioner, explores the intersections of learning about race, ethnicity, and identity at home, school, and a third space of learning within the collective. Findings indicate the importance of parent/caregiver involvement, Filipinx American history and stories in the curriculum, and affinity spaces

Conceptualizando la movilidad y movimiento de mujeres indígenas embarazadas en búsqueda de servicios médicos bajo una perspectiva migratoria

El traslado de mujeres indígenas embarazadas en Oaxaca hacia la ciudad de Oaxaca de Juárez debido a la falta de centros de salud en sus localidades se ha convertido en una realidad arraigada, impulsada en gran medida por el impacto del flujo migratorio por razones económicas durante finales del siglo XX. Sin embargo, este proceso de migración plantea una serie de complejidades para las mujeres, quienes enfrentan experiencias negativas debido a sus múltiples identidades que resultan en una exclusión social tanto dentro como fuera de sus comunidades de origen. Esta dinámica puede entenderse desde una perspectiva feminista multicéntrado, que las sitúa en un estado de ser ni dentro, ni fuera . El traslado de estas mujeres se conceptualiza como una migración temporal forzada impuesta por el Estado, que incumple con leyes nacionales y estatales, así como con declaraciones internacionales destinadas a mejorar la calidad de vida de las mujeres, especialmente de aquellas marginadas. Esta migración está marcada por la exclusión social y la creciente influencia de la biomedicina, lo que ha llevado a la pérdida gradual de prácticas tradicionales como la partería. Esta investigación analiza el impacto de estas formas tradicionales de migración en la imagen y la experiencia de las mujeres indígenas embarazadas en la actualidad, lo que se refleja en altas tasas de mortalidad materna y casos de violencia obstétrica. Además, se examina cómo la hegemonía de la biomedicina, impulsada por el Estado, afecta la calidad de los servicios de salud que reciben estas mujeres, a pesar de la existencia de leyes destinadas a prevenir esta situación

Identidad bajo amenaza en Chinchero, Perú: El megaproyecto del Aeropuerto Internacional plantea la cuestión: ¿Cuál es más importante para el Estado Peruano—el turismo o el patrimonio?

El megaproyecto del Aeropuerto Internacional de Chinchero inicialmente fue propuesto hace 46 años, así que ha sido un símbolo del futuro del distrito durante casi cinco décadas. Ubicado a sólo una hora de distancia de la ciudad de Cusco, el pueblo de Chinchero es conocido por su hermoso paisaje, tradición e impresionantes ruinas incas. De todo el mundo, los turistas desembarcan en el aeropuerto de Cusco y pasan por Chinchero de camino al valle sagrado y Machu Picchu. Desde el inicio de la construcción en 2017, el sitio del nuevo aeropuerto es visible desde casi cualquier lugar de Chinchero, como si fuera una parte natural del paisaje. Aunque el gobierno ha prometido desarrollo urbano y económico, muchos interesados se han opuesto al proyecto por los impactos negativos que tendría en el sitio arqueológico, medioambiente e integridad cultural de Chinchero. Las comunidades indígenas locales de Ayllopongo, Cúper y Yanacona—algunos de cuales se tuvieron que reubicar para hacer espacio para el sitio de construcción—se han estado afectado fuertemente por el proyecto. El enfoque principal del trabajo ha sido determinar la opinión de los Chincherinos frente al proyecto, y las perspectivas hacia el futuro, luego de la puesta en marcha del aeropuerto. Se hizo una revisión de la literatura, y entrevistas a pobladores de Chinchero, y otros stakeholders. El resultado más sorprendente fue el hecho de que las opiniones opuestas sobre el aeropuerto cayeron en una división de género. Otros resultados resaltantes fueron la desconfianza en el gobierno, la acumulación del resentimiento entre las comunidades y la percepción de cambios en el paisaje cultural. Basado en los usuarios priorizados del sitio arqueológico, se intentó evaluar de quienes serán los usuarios y beneficiarios del aeropuerto. En conclusión, se propone que el caso de Chinchero—donde entran en conflicto la protección del patrimonio de un lado, y el desarrollo económico de otro—es sólo un ejemplo de cómo la globalización está cambiando al Perú contemporáneo. The megaproject of the International Airport of Chinchero was first proposed 46 years ago, so it has functioned as a symbol of the district’s future for almost five decades. Located just an hour outside of the city of Cusco, the town of Chinchero is known for its beautiful natural landscape, ancient textile traditions, and impressive Incan ruins. Tourists from all over the world land at the Cusco airport and pass through Chinchero on their way to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Since the start of the construction in 2017, the site of the new airport has been visible from almost anywhere in Chinchero, as if it were a natural feature of the landscape. Although the government has promised urban and economic development, many stakeholders have staunchly opposed the project on the grounds that it will negatively impact the archaeological site, environment, and cultural integrity of Chinchero. The local indigenous communities of Ayllopongo, Cúper, and Yanacona—some of whom were relocated to make space for the construction—have been particularly affected by the project. The main objective of this study was to determine the opinion of the residents of Chinchero regarding the project, as well as the prospects for the future, once the airport is operational. A review of the literature was carried out, and 22 interviews were conducted with residents of Chinchero, and other stakeholders. The most surprising result was that opposing opinions about the airport fell along a gender divide. Other notable results were a general distrust in the government, built-up resentment between communities, and a perceived shift in the cultural landscape. Based on the prioritized users of the archaeological site, an attempt was made to evaluate who the users and beneficiaries of the airport will be. In conclusion, it is proposed that the case of Chinchero—where the protection of heritage on the one hand, and economic development on the other, come into conflict—is just one example of how globalization is changing contemporary Peru

Empowering Youth in Rural Haiti: Establishing a Computer Laboratory and Digital Literacy Training for Education and Livelihood Enhancement in Duchity, Grand’Anse

As a result of an oppressive colonial past and contemporary economic and political instability, many Haitians have fled their country and many rural Haitians have left the countryside causing a massive brain drain and stunting socio-economic development. The loss of skilled professionals across various sectors exacerbates developmental challenges for many communities, particularly rural ones. This phenomenon brings with it dire implications for the country\u27s youth, particularly, its rural youth who have been critically underserved. Rural youth have to contend with a shortage of educational facilities, overcrowded classrooms, a lack of qualified teachers, a decrease in the quality of the education they receive, among other obstacles. This proposal has been developed in response to this situation; for youth who do not have the same educational opportunities as youth in bigger cities. This project, based on a needs assessment conducted in the rural village of Duchity, argues for and draws out a plan for a computer laboratory and digital literacy training in the village. Ultimately, this replicable initiative aims to empower rural youth by fostering talent retention so that they may contribute to sustainable community development

Tradición en Transición: Como la Medicina Tradicional Oaxaqueña Ha Evolucionado en la Última Década

Este proyecto de investigación analizará la evolución de la medicina tradicional en el contexto oaxaqueño como resultado de ocurrencias de la última década, incluyendo la pandemia y el crecimiento de las redes sociales. Basándome en mis conversaciones con curanderas y el análisis de investigaciones previas, usaré un marco teórico de globalización y adaptación cultural para estudiar los cambios en prácticas de las curanderas y el cambio de la popularidad de la medicina tradicional. Adicionalmente, analizaré la relación entre la migración y el uso de la medicina natural como una práctica de salud transnacional. Finalmente, concluiré con analizando la importancia de la conservación de la tradición. Mi objetivo por parte de este estudio es contribuir a la comprensión de la medicina tradicional entre la gente que no la práctica, resaltar su importancia y expandir su relevancia en nuestras sociedades. This research project analyzes the evolution of traditional medicine in the Oaxacan context as a result of occurrences of the last decade, including the pandemic and the growth of social media. Based on my conversations with traditional healers and an analysis of previous research, I will use a theoretical framework of globalization and cultural adaptation to study the changing practices of healers and the changing popularity of traditional medicine. Additionally, I will analyze the relationship between migration and the use of natural medicine as a transnational health practice. Finally, I will conclude by discussing the importance of preserving the practice. My aim for this study is to contribute to the understanding of traditional medicine to those who don’t practice it, highlight its importance, and expand its relevance in our societies