| The purpose of this case study was to explore perspectives of Chicanas working in the environmental and social justice movement that might inform the field of environmental education. The study consisted of semi-structured interviews that highlight three women activists from northern and central New Mexico. The women are veteran organizers/activists who each have between twenty and forty years experience and are pioneers in their activist work. These women contribute to a dialogue that speak toward inclusion of diverse viewpoints in identifying issues and different approaches to problem solving in a minority populated area of rural New Mexico by expanding upon definitions of environment and education. Understanding perspectives of minority women protecting the environment (both natural and built), offers insight and utility to complex issues and different ways of knowing for educators alike. Information from this study provides and affirms representation of a group (Nuevo Mexicanas) that is under-represented in the area of environmental education. Knowledge of women in this study offers a new and neglected perspective to the field of environmental education and contributes to an innovative discourse. This research highlights the voices, lives, knowledge, and participation of women of color in grassroots environmental activism. |
