The Flagstaff Festival of Science announces “Harvesting Knowledge,” a theme that uncovers traditional food science and its relevance for the environment, community health and cultural significance. The Festival will take place Sept. 19-28.

To launch the free, 10-day adventure, the Festival will bring featured speaker Mariah Gladstone, Piikuni (Blackfeet) and Tsalagi (Cherokee), who was raised in Northwest Montana and holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from Columbia University. Gladstone is a nationally recognized advocate for food sovereignty and sustainability. 

Gladstone delivers the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, in Northern Arizona University’s Ardrey Auditorium. In “Indigenous Food Systems Science,” Gladstone will cover the themes of time-tested sustainability, nutrition, and ecology. “This presentation will touch upon thousands of years of Indigenous place-based science as well as an examination of practical solutions rooted to the challenges of today,” says Gladstone.

“We are delighted to host Mariah Gladstone for this year’s Festival Keynote,” says Adam Marsh, President of the Board of Directors. “Her passion and enthusiasm for education, the environment, food, and Indigenous perspectives aligns perfectly with the Festival’s work in our communities and fostering an environment of belonging.”