Faculty and Cultural Advisors

We are a small and diverse group of dedicated Indigenous and Western scientists, Cultural Practitioners, Elders, Healers, researchers, scholars, and academics.

ISPS Faculty

  • Catherine Hoppers, Ph.D.

  • Jürgen W. Kremer, Ph. D.

  • Grace Nono, Ph.D.

  • Brian Rice, Ph.D.

  • Valerie Ringland, Ph.D.

  • Marcela Sabin, M.A.

  • Fania Davis, Ph.D., J.D.

  • Lynette Schultz, Ph.D.

Learn more

Cultural Practitioner Advisors

  • Erick Gbodossou, M.D.

    Voudouin (Senegal)
    PROMETRA

  • Isak Kruiper

    Ubijie Sa Bushman (Southern Kalahari)
    Healer, Community Leader

  • Lydia (“Lys”) Kruiper

    Ubijie Sa Bushman (Southern Kalahari)Healer, Community Leader

  • Ilarion Merculieff

    Aleut (Alaska)
    Wisdom Weavers of the World

  • Elmir Muratalieva

    Kyrgyz (Kyrgyzstan)
    Clairvoyant

  • Zhaparkul Raimbekov

    Kyrgyz (Kyrgyzstan)
    Snow Leopard Shaman

  • Tashka Yawanawá, M.S.

    Yawanawa (Brazil)
    Community Chief, Healer

  • Virginia Davis Floyd, M.D.

    (United States)
    PROMETRA

  • Apela Colorado, PhD

    Oneida-Gaul (United States) Founder, Worldwide Indigenous Science Network

Learn more

Graduate Voices

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“After graduation, I worked with various United Nations agencies supporting indigenous peoples' advocacy in the UN climate negotiations and in various national and international policy agendas, positions I know I wouldn't have gotten if for the guidance I received over the course of this program.”

— Maryka Ives Paquette, M.A., Indigenous Mind Program, Currently with the Rainforest Foundation U.S.

What Graduates Are Saying

 

“I highly recommend the Indigenous Science and Peace Studies Program for students who are interested in a journey into their Indigenous Mind. It has the potential for deepening our understanding of relationships with each other, the Earth and the Cosmos, spawning much dialogue, self-reflection and courageous choices for the Earth, our human family and perhaps our very survival!”

— Audri Scott-Williams, M.A., Indigenous Mind,
Trustee United Religions International

“My experience in the Indigenous Mind (precursor to Indigenous Science and Peace Studies at University for Peace) program helped me to understand and stand in my own ancestral heritage for personal work and growth as well as in my professional career. I was a faculty member at the Eastern Kentucky University where I taught in individual and community healthcare. The program supported curricula, research, and practical on the ground application inclusive of and inspired by culture, diversity and health. My gratitude is always present for the doors that opened through the program, that continue to call, challenge and sometimes enlighten me in my life and work.”

— Anne Shordike, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, Eastern Kentucky University

“The ISPS program really isn’t like any other. It takes you to the core of who you are - no matter where you come from - and draws out a way of thinking and being that is rooted in the most fundamental principles of nature. During my time in the program, I had the honor of being advised by indigenous cultural practitioners from almost every continent. We looked at history, the forces at play, and how those shaped the world of today. We also reincorporated a way of life drawn from traditions deeply connected to the rhythms of the earth, traditions that have sustained prosperous societies for millennia while not only protecting but enhancing the environment they depend on.”

— Maryka Ives Paquette, M.A., Indigenous Mind Program, Currently with the Rainforest Foundation U.S.