Reflexivity is at the heart of my research in environmental anthropology, and my work is guided by a commitment to challenge the entrenched human-nature dichotomy. Drawing inspiration from Milstein et al.’s (2023) analysis in Even I am a Part of Nature": Unraveling the Human/Nature Binary to Enable Systems Change [2], I seek to deconstruct the notion that humans and nature are distinct entities. By emphasizing relationality and interconnectedness, I aim to contribute to more inclusive narratives in environmental research. This perspective aligns with the importance of creating reflexive spaces in ecological communication, where alternative frameworks can foster systemic change toward sustainability.

As a White female, settler-colonial researcher, I recognize the privilege and responsibility that accompany my position. My background inevitably shapes my research lens, which necessitates a constant process of unlearning and relearning. This reflexivity allows me to critically examine how the legacies of colonialism and power dynamics influence the very constructs I navigate, such as the human-nature divide. By acknowledging the limitations of my lens, I strive to challenge dominant discourses and create space for more equitable, community-centered approaches.

[2] Milstein, Tema, Mariko Oyama Thomas, Jeff Hoffmann, and John Carr. "Even I am a Part of Nature”: Unraveling the Human/Nature Binary to Enable Systems Change." Environmental Communication 17, no. 4 (2023): 421-436.