From Academia to Action: An Indigenous Reforestation Effort in Los Angeles

Ary Amaya, a graduate student at UCLA, is at the forefront of an Indigenous-led reforestation effort in Los Angeles. Standing amidst a landscape she has helped restore, Amaya explains the cultural and ecological importance of the native trees and plants that make up a "food forest." As reported by Madeline Adamo, this project is part of the Chief Ya’anna Regenerative Learning Village, a 12-acre area dedicated to the Gabrielino-Shoshone Nation of Southern California.

Central to this reforestation initiative is the Anawakalmekak International University Preparatory of North America, a community-based charter school that serves Indigenous students from across the Americas. Amaya, who has been an educator at the school since 2021, integrates Indigenous knowledge systems into the scientific curriculum, drawing from her own heritage and upbringing in Nayarit, Mexico. Her dual roles at UCLA and Anawakalmekak allow her to bridge academic research and community engagement.

Amaya's efforts extend to Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, bringing the total reforested area to 27 acres. She mentors a group of high school students, the "Ketsal Youth Research Scientists," who conduct ground observations and remote sensing to study the ecological impact of their work. This hands-on approach not only educates the youth but also reaffirms the importance of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination in ecological restoration.

Supported by her graduate advisor, Elsa Ordway, and collaborating with Gabrielle Crowe and Minnie Ferguson, Amaya's work underscores the value of integrating Indigenous perspectives into environmental science. This initiative aligns with UCLA's broader commitment to inclusive excellence and community engagement, aiming to elevate Indigenous knowledge and voices in both academic and local contexts.