Gregory Cajete facts for kids
Gregory A. Cajete is a well-known author and professor. He is from the Tewa community in Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. He is famous for bringing together Native American ways of understanding science with modern school teachings. He focuses on teaching "culturally based science." This type of science helps people learn about health and well-being from a cultural viewpoint.
His Journey in Learning
Gregory Cajete studied many interesting subjects. He earned his first degree in biology (the study of living things) and sociology (the study of human society). He got this degree from New Mexico Highlands University. He also learned how to teach in high schools. Later, he earned a Master's degree from the University of New Mexico. He then got his highest degree, a doctorate, from the International College in Los Angeles. His doctorate focused on social science education. He specialized in Native American Studies, learning deeply about Indigenous cultures.
What He Does
Currently, Gregory Cajete works at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He is the director of the Native American Studies program there. He is also a professor who teaches about education. For 21 years, he taught at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. He has also been a scholar of ethnobotany (the study of how people use plants) for New Mexico. He is a member of the New Mexico Arts Commission, which supports art in the state.
Awards and Special Projects
Gregory Cajete has led many important studies about Native science and education. These studies received funding from big organizations like the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He has also received special awards and support from places like the Newberry Library and the U.S. Department of Education. He has volunteered his time to help small communities near Santa Clara Pueblo.
Books He Has Written
Gregory Cajete has written several important books. These books share his knowledge about Native American perspectives on science, education, and living in harmony with nature.
- Green, Rayne, Dr. Gregory A. Cajete, and Lucy R. Lippard. Native Views. Influences of Modern Culture. A Contemporary Native American Art Exhibition. Artrain USA: 2004.
- Cajete, Gregory and Leroy Little Bear. Native Science: Natural Laws of Interdependence. Clear Light Books, 2001. ISBN: 1-57416-041-9. This book explores how Native peoples understand the natural world.
- Cajete, Gregory. A People's Ecology: Explorations in Sustainable Living. Clear Light Books, 1999. ISBN: 1-57416-028-1. This book looks at how different cultures live in ways that protect the Earth.
- Cajete, Gregory. Igniting the Sparkle: An Indigenous Science Education Model. Kivaki Press, 1999. ISBN: 1-882308-66-2. This book talks about ways to teach science using Indigenous knowledge.
- Cajete, Gregory. Look to the Mountain: An Ecology of Indigenous Education. Kivaki Press, 1994. ISBN: 978-1-882308-65-1. This book shares ideas about education from an Indigenous viewpoint.
