S3:E3 Indigenous Freshwater Governance: Māori & Yurok Restoration Science | Proven Sustainable | DCN
This is Episode 3 of the Brook M Thompson Series, brought to you by Proven Sustainable, featuring a powerful cross-Pacific dialogue on Indigenous-led river restoration, ecological science, and civil engineering frameworks.
In this episode, Māori restoration ecologist Dr. Aroha Spinks (Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki) and Dr. Brook M. Thompson (Yurok Tribe) discuss:
Indigenous ecological knowledge (TEK) in restoration design
Lamprey (piharau) & eel (tuna) migration science
Dam removal impacts & hydrologic reconnection
Co-governance freshwater policy in Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Civil engineering ethics in river systems
Treaty-based environmental management models
The Kapiti Whaitua freshwater framework
Workforce development in ecological restoration
For ecological scientists, hydrologists, restoration planners, watershed managers, and civil engineers, this conversation offers real-world case studies of how Indigenous governance models are influencing freshwater policy, habitat restoration, culvert replacement, riparian planting, and long-term watershed health outcomes.
🌊 Featured Research & Restoration Links
Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki – Piharau (Lamprey) Restoration
https://www.ngahapuootaki.nz/piharau
Greater Wellington Regional Council – Kapiti Whaitua Freshwater Program
https://www.gw.govt.nz/environment/freshwater/protecting-the-waters-of-your-area/whaitua-kapiti/
Kapiti Whaitua Implementation Booklet (Policy & Governance Framework)
https://www.gw.govt.nz/assets/Documents/2024/09/GWC0137_Kapiti-Whaitua-Booklet_FA-2_WEB-spreads_lo-res.pdf
Dr. Brook M. Thompson – Yurok Restoration Engineer & Researcher
https://www.brookmthompson.com/
Proven Sustainable – Global Indigenous Environmental Leadership
https://provensustainable.org/
🔬 Why This Matters for Ecological Scientists & Engineers
Across the Pacific, Indigenous nations are advancing:
Migratory fish passage design
Gravel extraction impact studies
Riparian buffer restoration
Wetland reconnection
Treaty-based watershed governance
Multi-stakeholder freshwater co-management
Large-scale dam removal science
From the Klamath River dam removals (largest in world history) to the Kapiti Whaitua freshwater framework, this episode explores how Indigenous science is reshaping the future of restoration ecology.
If you work in:
Ecological engineering
Watershed hydrology
Freshwater policy
Fisheries science
Civil infrastructure planning
Environmental impact assessment
This conversation offers models that go beyond consultation toward true co-design and Indigenous-led systems integration.
🌎 About This Series
This is Part 3 of the Brook Thompson Series, hosted by Drum Circle News and brought to you by Proven Sustainable.
This series bridges:
Yurok river restoration (California, USA)
Māori freshwater governance (Aotearoa, NZ)
Indigenous sovereignty frameworks
Restoration workforce development
Subscribe for more Indigenous-led conversations shaping the future of ecological restoration.
