[Submitted by Rodney C. Haring, PhD, MSW]
Cordelia Haring, a citizen of the Seneca Nation (Onödowá’ga:’) and a member of the Wolf Clan, has been accepted into two distinguished environmental education programs that are preparing the next generation of Indigenous leaders in conservation, fish and wildlife management, and environmental stewardship.
This summer, Cordelia was selected for the National Summer Youth Practicum hosted by the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS) in Estes Park, Colorado. This nationally recognized program brings together Native American and Alaska Native high school students from across the United States for an immersive week of experiential learning focused on Tribal natural resource management. Students work alongside Tribal, state, and federal conservation professionals while gaining hands-on experience in fisheries, wildlife biology, forestry, water resources, habitat conservation, and environmental leadership. The practicum encourages Native youth to pursue higher education and careers dedicated to protecting Indigenous lands, waters, fish, wildlife, and natural resources.
Cordelia was also selected to participate in the Native Earth Environmental Youth Program at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF). Coordinated through the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment in partnership with the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force, the immersive residential program brings together Indigenous high school students to learn through both Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western science. Participants engage in ecological field studies, environmental research, cultural teachings, leadership development, and college preparation while exploring careers in environmental science and natural resource management.
Growing up on the Cattaraugus Territory, Cordelia has always enjoyed hunting, fishing, navigating the outdoors, and learning from the land with her family. Those experiences have inspired her passion for conservation and her desire to bring together Indigenous Knowledge and environmental science.
Reflecting on these opportunities, Cordelia shared, “I’ve always loved being outdoors and learning about our lands and wildlife. I want to keep learning so I can help protect our natural resources and give back to our community and future generations.”
As she joins Indigenous youth from across Turtle Island this summer, Cordelia will build new friendships, strengthen her leadership skills, and deepen her understanding of both Indigenous knowledge systems and contemporary conservation science. These experiences will help prepare her for a future dedicated to protecting the lands, waters, fish, and wildlife that have sustained Indigenous peoples since the beginning of time.
Cordelia’s family is incredibly proud of her dedication and willingness to learn. They are grateful to everyone who has encouraged and supported her along the way and look forward to watching her continue to grow as a steward of the land. They wish her- impactful experiences- as she represents the Seneca people and carries forward the values of the Onödowá’ga:’ with a Good Mind for the benefit of the next seven generations.
Cordelia is the daughter of Rodney (Tara) Haring and Wendy Jimerson; granddaughter of Marguerite and John Haring, and the late Suzanne and Richard Jimerson.
