The ancient Waccamaw were river dwellers and inhabited the riverbanks from Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina all the way to Winyah Bay near Georgetown, South Carolina. They may have even been one of the first mainland Natives introduced to Europeans, demonstrating their journey began long before they were officially recognized. The Europeans nearly wiped out the Read More …
Author: Cassie Ratliff
Spirituality of Renewable Energy
Native Americans throughout history have held the belief that all elements of Earth, living and nonliving, are respected and equal in rights to humans. The landscape, animals, plants, and other environmental elements play a major role in the religion of Native Americans.They believe all things are connected and give each other life, for which we Read More …
Wetlands Endangered Species
A wetland is where the land is covered by water, either salt, fresh, or a blending of both. These areas typically consist of low-lying areas that are frequently flooded and provide an abundant array of ecosystem services such as water filtration, storm protection, flood control and recreation; things we would otherwise have to pay for Read More …
Passive Solar Design
Passive solar design uses the natural energy from the sun for heating and cooling living spaces. Key aspects of passive solar include properly oriented windows, thermal mass, distribution mechanisms, and control strategies. Windows are used to collect solar energy and should face southwards for maximum solar input during the winter months and minimum input during Read More …
Environmental Justice
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. People have an equal right to a healthy environment to live, learn, and work. Consensus can be difficult when defining shared Read More …
Native American Natural Resource Ownership
The Waccamaw Indians fought for federal recognition up until 2005 when they became South Carolina’s first recognized tribe. Federal recognition honors the tribes’ inherent rights of self-government, tribal sovereignty, and they are entitled to receive federal benefits, services, and protections because of their special relationship with the United States. In June 2006, the United Nations Declaration Read More …
Sufficiency: What is Enough?
Earth’s natural and “abundant” resources exist within limits. While these resources may rejuvenate and renew themselves time and time again, at what point do they stop becoming readily available? How would we adjust to a changing world where these resources may one day become truly scarce? Can we ethically consume an endless supply of electricity, Read More …
Sustainable Development
According to the Brundtland Commission report, sustainable development calls for “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Long before the report was published in 1987, Native American indigenous cultures lived by the proverb, “we have not inherited the earth from our fathers, Read More …