By Peter N. Jones
[pnj@bauuinstitute.com]
Director: Bauu Institute and Press

Peter N. Jones

Several important action items have taken place over the last several months that may be of interest to the group. First, the United States Department of Agriculture released its USDA Policy and Procedures Review and Recommendations Report on Indian Sacred Sites. In 2010, Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Tribal Relations and the USDA’s Forest Service (Forest Service) to engage in dialogue with American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal leaders to find out how USDA can do a better job of accommodating and protecting AI/AN sacred sites while simultaneously pursuing the Forest Service’s multiple-use mission. Secretary Vilsack requested information about unintended consequences of land management decisions affecting sacred sites and AI/AN communities whose cultural survival is often deeply rooted in these sites. As stated during the release of the report:

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By Jennifer R. Wies
[jennifer.wies@eku.edu]
Eastern Kentucky University

Jennifer R. Wies

In the Fall of 2012, Eastern Kentucky University students enrolled in Medical Anthropology- Service-Learning explored the issue of food insecurity among women affected by incarceration in Clay County, Kentucky. Service-learning is a way for students to directly apply their “in-classroom” knowledge to the world around them by engaging in the preparation, action, monitoring, reflection, and assessment of a research project. Anthropology classes are an excellent venue for service-learning because students can apply theoretical frameworks about social inequalities and “take it to the streets.” Furthermore, by engaging community members in relevant, contemporary issues, the students are serving the community and creating a space for reflection and open communication.

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By Emilia González-Clements
[emiliagonzalezclements@gmail.com]
Fifth Sun Development Fund

Emilia González-Clements

The work of the members of the Grassroots Development TIG is ultimately based on working with small rural producers. These small producers, like the rest of us, live in a global environment.

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By Jeanne Simonelli
[simonejm@wfu.edu]
Wake Forest University

Jeanne Simonelli

In Longmont, Colorado, gas wells and schoolyards stand side by side. In Pennsylvania, residents are trying to gain ground against unregulated drilling. And in New York, grassroots organizations are hoping to stave off a final decision concerning fracking. But what is anthropology doing?

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By Melissa Stevens
[melissa.stevens7@gmail.com]
University of Maryland, College Park

Student Paper Competition

Melissa Stevens

The second annual Tourism and Heritage TIG Student Paper Competition started with the submission paper abstracts this past fall, four of which were selected to be presented in a specially organized paper session at the Denver SfAA meetings (session details are listed below). Those four papers are also now in the running for the top paper prize, which includes a $500 award. The winning paper will be announced in Denver at the paper session and at the TIG business meeting. The selected papers are:

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