I've been an avid conservationist for over 25 years, working in the public service and environmental fields. Currently, I focus on connecting teens and young adults to nature, most recently through my work with Project Indigenous (PI), LLC. PI is a program focused on environmental education and serves as a bridge between traditional Indigenous knowledge and western science. PI is currently working with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to assist in the environmental education and sharing of traditional knowledge that improves the working relationships with Native communities. The use of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with Native students has been shown to increase the engagement, participation, and success of Native American students in science. Ultimately, this opens opportunities for Native students in science-related careers, where currently, they are significantly under-represented.