Our Team
Shandin Pete, Ed.D.
Dr. Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné) was raised in Nłq̓alqʷ (“Place of the thick trees”, Arlee, Montana). His mother is from the Bitterroot Band of Salish in Montana and his father is Diné from Beshbihtoh Valley in Arizona. He completed a M.S. in Geology and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction focusing on science education at the University of Montana. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Department. He is a hydrogeologist and science educator with interest in Indigenous research methodologies, geoscientific ethnography, Indigenous astronomy, social-political tribal structures, culturally congruent instructional strategies, and Indigenous science philosophies. Most of his work in recent years has focused on community engagement to understanding shifts in an Indigenous paradigm of research for science knowledge production. This work has included collaboration with tribal knowledge holders across Native communities and Indigenous academic scholars at institutions nationally and internationally.
Aaron Brien, M.A.
Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke) is a member of the Big Lodge Clan, Night Hawk Dance Society and child of the Whistling Water & Big Lodge Clan. He was born in Sheridan, Wyoming, and was raised on the Crow Reservation’s Center Lodge (Reno) District. He studied at Salish Kootenai College and the University of Montana as an undergraduate and earned a master’s degree from the University of Montana’s Department of Anthropology. He currently serves as Native American Studies: Tribal Historic Preservation Faculty and Research Coordinator for the Indigenous Research Center at Salish Kootenai College. His early contributions to cultural heritage emphasize Indigenous approaches to archaeological documentation and interpretation. His work represents the future of Indigenous cultural heritage management, and he is helping teach the next generation of archaeologists the importance of incorporating tribal perspectives into resource management.
