4th Annual Cheyenne River Research Symposium 2018

The 4th Annual Cheyenne River Research Symposium Researching, Restoring & Rebuilding our Oyate for a Longer Life focused on the theme of data sovereignty.  The symposium brings community members together with researchers from across the nation to learn, discuss health issues, and much more.   Other research areas explored during the symposium were decolonizing science and technology; rheumatoid arthritis and DNA; mercury exposure and sources in communities; environmental quality; exposure to metals and immune response; and how local research impacts community members. 

The Research Symposium also featured a Student Research Day for high school students.  All six schools on Cheyenne River were invited to participate in the daylong event.   The students rotated through four hands on learning sessions where they learned about the Strong Heart Study and Informed Consent; What’s in Their DNA; Looking Thru Dirt with X-Ray Eyes to See If Anything is Bad; and Spit, Cotinine and Nicotine Exposure.   Some of the descriptive words shared from students about their day were:  excellent, pleased, productive, interesting, important, and liked.   Participating students also learned about other science related summer activities at various universities and other locations.  Students were also able to apply for scholarships and summer internships.    

The 2018 Research Symposium was sponsored by:  The Bush Foundation, South Dakota Humanities Council, The Keya Foundation, and Missouri Breaks Industries Research, Inc.