CREST’s Visit to Maine

CUNY CREST HIRES Director and Deputy Director of the CUNY CREST Institute, Dr. Shakila Merchant, CREST Research Scientist, Dr. Vartika Chandra Saman and CREST Faculty Affiliate, Prof. Smita Ekka Dewan and CREST Faculty Affiliate Dr. Naresh Devineni visited the Tribal Nations of Mi’kmaq, Presque Isle, as part of the TEK and water ecosystem project in Maine on April 16-18, 2025. One of the main purposes of the meeting was to connect with the Mi’kmaq community members and discuss the project goals and objectives. A letter of collaboration  in support of this partnership was signed  by the past Tribal Chief Mr. Charlie. 

During their trip, the CREST delegates engaged with several tribal members and leaders in an effort to set a stage of future project activities focused on traditional ecological knowledge and ecosystems.