Exploring the role of rangeland scientists through participatory research on O’odham tribal rangelands. Arnold, Jennifer^*,1, Fernandez-Gimenez, Maria², ¹ School of Natural Resources, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.² Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Watershed Stewardship, Fort Collins, CO, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT- In collaboration with tribal and non-tribal organizations and individuals we developed, implemented, and evaluated a rangeland curriculum for the Tohono O'odham Nation. In this research and education project, we used a participatory research approach to ask 1) what was the process of collaboration and how did it affect curriculum design and implementation? and 2) what were the unforeseen benefits of collaboration? In this presentation, we describe the evolution of the curriculum project from an "everything-fits-into-a-binder" extension course to a series of flexible workshops designed to respect the diversity of local environments and presenters on the Nation. Based on both formal and informal discussions with project partners, we reflect on project accomplishments and the role of project partners in realizing these accomplishments. We find that the workshops transcended the presentation of existing knowledge to create new knowledge and understandings through interaction among local people and natural resource managers. Project partners on both sides of the "cultural divide" realize that research and extension can be done in ways that facilitate a more equitable exchange of ideas.

KEY WORDS: collaboration, participatory research, Native American, extension