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1/ I have a degree in Astrophysics and two degrees in physics. I am Indigenous and Chicana. As an indigenous scientist absolutely in love with space and our ways of studying it, it has been very difficult watching what is happening to #MaunaKea and #TMTShutdown #ProtectMaunaKea
2/ Indigenous scientists walk in many worlds and understand the challenges of bringing our culture with us into colonial structured spaces. Our people have always been scientists. Our people have always studied the stars. This is not science vs culture. #ProtectMaunaKea
3/ our sacred spaces should hold just as much value as the Vatican or the Western Wall. It would never even be a question to think of desecrating that space in the pursuit of science and yet Hawaiian elders are forced to put their bodies in the path of trucks to #ProtectMaunaKea
4/ ethics about how science engages with communities needs to happen more in educational training so that we don’t continue causing damage. Language is important. This is not superstition and these elders are not agitators. #ProtectMaunaKea
5/ watching what is happen is painful. Hearing how this is being discussed is painful. Being a person walking between spaces is exhausting and confusing and creates so much conflict and it’s making me sick...emotionally mentally physically it’s making sick. #ProtectMaunaKea
6/ conflict is real y’all. But my love for my people and all indigenous peoples fighting to protect sacred spaces gives me so much strength. From the #waorani fighting to protect the Amazon to #StandingRock protecting our water to those #ProtectMaunaKea all my love. I’m with you
7/ this is not science vs culture. THIS IS NOT SCIENCE VS CULTURE! My fellow scientists we are better than this. We need to do better than this. Talk with colleagues. Have open discussions with your communities. Build trust by coming from a place of humility #ProtectMaunaKea
8/ Also be respectful of your colleagues and students and staff dealing with and processing all of this. It is difficult for everyone. Anger helps no one. Please continue to have open dialogue. Please continue to send love. Please continue to hold space #ProtectMaunaKea
