Photo: Norrie Robbin and students
I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Eleanora Robbins or “Norrie,” as she introduced herself. Her students call her “Doc.” She is a well published scientist and geologist whose curiosity led her to study palynology, paleoecology, and microbial ecology. During our interview, we focused on her involvement with the Indigenous Earth Science Project, the Science Explorers Club, and all the ways curiosity fueled a connection with kids on San Diego reservations.
It starts and ends with water. For Norrie, it was the creek by her house, the way the banks changed and evolved. It sparked her curiosity and started her on the path to discovery. Fast forward a few years and curiosity bites again, this time, thanks to coal mine run off and the proliferation of bacteria and metals in Appalachian water. She painted a picture of rivers and creeks that were stained red. She was left with the burning question: “Who teaches us how to not kill Earth?”
Texts by Greg Cajete pointed her toward indigenous knowledge and cultural practices. Unfortunately, finding indigenous scientists proved difficult, so she opted to strike a deal. “I want to learn from the elders, and in turn, I will teach your kids western science so they can teach both.” Like so many paths in life, it became something else entirely.
After retiring from the federal government, Norrie moved to San Diego. She credits Geneva Lofton Fitzsimmons with generously connecting her with the network of folks who made it all possible. When she found Eric Riggs and the Indigenous Earth Science Project at SDSU, it became her jumping-off point. He was already doing the work and introduced her to even more people. Norrie spoke with fondness about Uncle Henry, aka Henry Rodriguez, who fought all the way to the California Supreme Court for La Jolla’s right to water (and won). He placed high emphasis on the need for hydrologists on the rez. It was with the connections, support, and guidance of these amazing partners that the Science Explorers Club forged its path and expanded its reach.
Under Doc’s watchful eye, the Science Explorer Club kids go out and learn to experience their world from a scientific point of view.
Their monthly activities include lots of observing (a scientist’s best tool) and getting wet and dirty. Kids learn about bird migration, earthquakes, insects, wild flowers, lizards, rocks, and water. Through a fun-filled, interactive lens, kids learn the basics of ecology, geology, ornithology, hydrology and more. They’re taught the tools that marry western science with their own cultural understanding. It’s a powerful gift and one that Norrie has shared with so many. She started in 2001 in La Jolla; now at least 1,000 kids on 12 of San Diego’s reservations have benefited from monthly Science Explorers Club gatherings.
The problem was that rez kids didn’t have scientist role models in their daily lives. Studies show that people rarely gravitate toward jobs they can’t see. Norrie, with her connections and experience, knew that the tribal jobs were there; they just needed trained employees to fill those roles. The kids (and their parents) needed to see that jobs were there, and the employers needed to see that future scientists were in training. “I want the Indian community to know they all have environmental departments,” Norrie said. “The issue is they’re all from the outside. They need employees who live within the rez, and there weren’t any. Now there are several. I’m hoping the older kids who love the rez and love the outdoors will take those jobs.”
Norrie continued, “If we want to live on a healthy Earth, this work has to go on forever. I’ve taught at least 1,000 kids. Somebody will get up and start their own outdoor science club.”
Some people already have. Twenty-three years of this work and two generations of students later, they are following in Norrie’s footsteps and taking over programs to ensure it doesn’t end.
Congratulations, Doc, on 23 years of exploration in San Diego. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, curiosity, and passion!
