Indigenous students retrace Lewis and Clark’s historic journey: ‘We can’t protect what we cannot see’

Indigenous students are helping the Smithsonian conduct a new wildlife survey along the route travelled by Lewis and Clark, using trail cameras to document changes since the early 19th century. The project aims to include tribal communities in research about their lands and recognise their role in the original expedition, whose legacy many Native Americans associate with invasion and forced relocation.

Seven tribal colleges joined the survey, with students managing cameras and data and interpreting changes on their reservations. The Smithsonian and partner institutions are using thousands of motion-triggered cameras, while the students are paid interns, unlike other volunteers; their work will also help compare contemporary observations with knowledge held by tribal elders.