Opening Remarks by Abraham Francis

Abraham Francis (BSc Microbiology, 2014 and MSc Natural Resources, 2019) is undergoing a Ph.D. at Clarkson University in Environmental Science and Engineering where they wish to create tools to support other Indigenous Communities care for their environments from their biocultural contexts. Abraham has grown an extensive network of Indigenous Scholars, Knowledge Sharers, and Allies, which inspired the founding of the Aronia Collective. They cultivate their expertise at the intersection of environmental studies, Indigenous methodologies, community engagement, education, health, social services, law, and cultural foundations as a means for empowerment and healing within Indigenous Communities. Abraham was previously the Environmental Services Manager for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, a position that allowed him to develop and implement projects inspired and directed by community needs.