DeShawn Davis is a young environmentalist exploring traditional O’odham Jewedga (O’odham lands) in Southern Arizona. He currently works as a Next Generation Ranger at Saguaro National Park and is also an involved participant in the Eco Truths for Indigenous Youth. His passion for science-based programs and work experiences have provided him with the knowledge and the tools to excel in the STEM world. He also embraces his deep cultural connections and access to ancestral lands. The critical role we have as Native/Indigenous people to protect sacred sights, nature, animals, etc. is important especially when working in the National Park Service; to educate and share historical facts, and cultural perspectives, and update the narrative that local tribes are more than just a chapter in history books, but that we are still here evolving and thriving while still holding on to our cultural inheritance.

Recorded: January 2024

Background music by: Guustavv “Barranca” and Bomull “älv”

For more information about Deshawn's involvement, check out these articles and interviews!
Next-generation ranger camp
https://www.nps.gov/sagu/getinvolved/next-generation-ranger-corps.htm

Eco Truths for Indigenous Youth
https://ironwoodtreeexperience.org/community/projects/ecotruths-for-indigenous-youth-2/