Breanna Lameman

"Strengthening Diné Food Systems: Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Agricultural Innovation fo rDine Food Sovereignty, Health, and Community Wellbeing."

Advisor: Dr. Nicole Yuan

This dissertation is informed from a completed scoping review (aim 1) examining how agricultural technologies are transforming Indigenous food systems in CANZUS western countries. Building from aim 1, the research investigates how Indigenous farmers and Native-led agriculture organizations in the Navajo Nation are adapting to climate change, engaging with agriculture technologies, and articulating the cultural, governance, and relational priorities that inform Diné food sovereignty and Indigenous data sovereignty through talking circles and a community survey. This research will document community-defined priorities within Diné food and agriculture systems, Diné knowledge, and lived experience. The data generated will guide the development of community-based actionable recommendations and policy options for tribal leaders. Findings will be returned to the Navajo Nation through culturally grounded reporting and community-based dissemination strategies, assuring that the research directly supports community decision making and contributes to Diné food sovereignty and climate resilience.