In this 2012 study, researchers of Environmental Education look to make a connection between Indigenous Hip Hop and the potential for Environmental Education. In doing so, they interviewed 6 members of the Beat Nation Indigenous Hip Hop collective (North America). The general theme of the article was that Hip Hop gives voice to Indigenous Youth, which enables them to discuss issues happening in their communities. As a form of literacy, Hip Hop can be used as a way to reignite students interest in their native languages. The artists also make an argument that this form of expression has the ability to disrupt colonial and neo-colonial societal patterns which are prevelant both in the education system and in North America at large. This disruption, through rap lyrics, can help ignite more discussion about Environmental Issues that Indigenous communities are engaged in (ie pipelines.)
Click below for a link to the article:
Gorlewski, Julie. “Revolutionizing Environmental Education through Indigenous Hip Hop Culture.” Canadian Journal of Environmental Educators, vol. 17, 2012, pp. 46–61.