Media

2026

Navajo Nation moves to claim its data as ‘inalienable’ property as AI anxiety grows

Holtje, D. (2026, September 8). Navajo Nation moves to claim its data as ‘inalienable’ property as AI anxiety grows. Navajo-Hopi Observer. https://www.nhonews.com/news/navajo-nation-moves-to-claim-its-data-as-inalienable-property-as-ai-anxiety-grows/article_8e97954b-7cfd-4ed3-b5a7-b9a9fa10c531.html

This news article connects to themes I unpack in my Fall 2026 Information, Ethics, and Policy course, particularly privacy, consent, and information governance. The use of mobile apps raises questions about how personal data are collected and shared, often without transparent processes. Beyond individual privacy, cultures and communities have distinct responsibilities for protecting knowledge. For the Diné, these responsibilities are grounded in family, kinship, cultural teachings, and Diné law, which inform Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Building on the Diné Data Sovereignty Symposium, I am co-authoring a manuscript with symposium planners and speakers. Once published, I will share it on my publications page.

2025

Leadership summit trains Indigenous youth in water resource advocacy

Nielsen, C. (2025, August 28). Leadership summit trains Indigenous youth in water resource advocacy. iSchool News. https://ischool.uw.edu/news/2025/08/leadership-summit-trains-indigenous-youth-water-resource-advocacy/

This piece highlights a leadership summit focused on preparing Indigenous youth to engage in water resource advocacy. It connects youth leadership, Tribal water priorities, and community-based learning while showing how water education can support advocacy, stewardship, and the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

2023

Centering Indigenous knowledge in environmental justice

Bartoo-Smith, N. (2023, April 21). Centering Indigenous knowledge in environmental justice. ICT. https://ictnews.org/news/centering-indigenous-knowledge-in-environmental-justice

This coverage discusses the launch of the University of Washington Center for Environmental Health Equity with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It foregrounds Indigenous knowledge, environmental justice, and public health while describing research partnerships that respond to community priorities. The article situates the center within broader efforts to build equitable, community-responsive environmental health research.

2021

Population Health Initiative executive council appointment

University of Washington Population Health Initiative. (2021, August 23). Six new members named to Population Health Initiative executive council. https://www.washington.edu/populationhealth/2021/08/23/six-new-members-named-to-population-health-initiative-executive-council/

This announcement names new members of the University of Washington Population Health Initiative executive council, which supports cross-campus work on population health, equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Clarita Lefthand-Begay's appointment reflects her contributions to Indigenous health, environmental justice, and community-engaged scholarship.

Contact

clarita@uw.edu
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