MapPros! Careers in Geospatial Technologies

James Rattling Leaf

"Because I chose to work at a Tribal institution, I am part of a greater effort in creating a better future for our people as well as the World."

"Wolakota means to act and behave with ultimate respect, harmony, peace and friendship. Wolakota has always been an integral aspect in development of Sinte Gleska University and is clearly the path for accomplishing our future plans."

"Because of our cultural knowledge and vision, I am better able to understand the role of geotechnologies in the larger context of our institutional mission. SGU is very unique in its commitment to cultural values and way of life. So, because I work at SGU, I have chosen to further my growth in my culture as well as the geospatial technologies."

"The future looks very bright for this emerging technology."

Land and Natural Resources Developer - James Rattling Leaf

Field: Environmental Science and Policy
Job Title: Land and Natural Resource Developer
Place of Employment: Sinte Gleska University, Mission, South Dakota

What is your current job and what does it entail?

Currently, I serve as a Land and Natural Resource Developer at the Sicangu Policy Institute, a program at Sinte Gleska University (SGU). The very essence of Sinte Gleska University stems from its location on the Rosebud Reservation. From the beginning the founders of Sinte Gleska University sought to establish a tribal higher education institution based on the philosophy of tribal control and tribal self-determination. An important premise of this philosophy was to effect change for our tribal nation. Today, in the 21st century, Sinte Gleska University remains committed to its earliest purposes: to preserve and teach Lakota culture, history and language and to promote innovative and effective strategies to address the myriad of social and economic concerns confronting the Sicangu Lakota Oyate. To further the vision of SGU’s founding fathers, the geospatial initiatives at the Sicangu Policy Institute seek to further the vision of the future that's a mix of traditional wisdom and modern spatial technologies.

In your day-to-day activities, who are the people that you interact with regularly?

We work with Tribal Governmental programs, Tribal community members, K-12 teachers and their students, SGU students, state and federal government programs, and private industry. Through the NativeView Initiative we work with 32 Tribal colleges across the U.S. to further the development of geospatial activities at their respective institutions.

For your position, what skills do you need in geospatial technologies?

I need a broad understanding for the planning, implementation and maintenance of our Geospatial initiatives with regard to how geospatial elements integrate into SGU as well as the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, our K-12 schools and our communities. Also, I need business practice skills to facilitate and fulfill federal grant requirements that fund our efforts. Interpersonal skills also play an important role in communicating your programs to a broad audience who might not have technical knowledge or background.

For your position, what skills outside of geospatial technologies are required?

Leadership skills are an important part of my work. For instance, you have to have soft skills in terms of dealing with governments, communities, and education. I think you need the ability and skill to develop a team approach to this work. Hiring your team is very important to your success.

What was the key factor in your career decision?

As a graduate of SGU, I found a great opportunity to build a geospatial program from scratch. This opportunity would allow me to be responsible for the planning, development and maintenance of the program in terms of developing all my skills on the job.

What do you like most about your career?

Because I chose to work at a Tribal institution, I am part of a greater effort in creating a better future for our people as well as the World. At the core of our future plans is the institutional theme, Wahope Ungluwa Sakapi Hecel Oyate Ki Wolakota Gluha Tokatakiya Unya Pi Kte (Reinforcing our Foundation for the People to Go Forward in the Lakota Way). The centerpiece of this concept is Wolakota (peace), a term conceived during the turbulent era of intertribal wars resulting from emerging tribal nations and armed contests over resources. Tribal elders discussed behavioral rules and codes and after many years of trial and error, Wolakota was finally achieved. Wolakota means to act and behave with ultimate respect, harmony, peace and friendship. Wolakota has always been an integral aspect in development of Sinte Gleska University and is clearly the path for accomplishing our future plans. The mission and vision of Sinte Gleska University invites participation in growth and change on the Rosebud Reservation. Because of our cultural knowledge and vision, I am better able to understand the role of geotechnologies in the larger context of our institutional mission. SGU is very unique in its commitment to cultural values and way of life. So, because I work at SGU, I have chosen to further my growth in my culture as well as in geospatial technologies.

What do you like least about your career?

When we started the geospatial initiative at SGU, I worked many long hours to lead, develop and sustain our geospatial efforts. At most Tribal Colleges, new efforts are primarily led by individuals. Because of this situation, I had to make decisions that took time away from my family, like traveling to meetings and conferences that were necessary to find the resources to build a geospatial program. Because of this experience, it is my goal to continue to build the necessary infrastructure that will allow me to do the work at a high level, yet spend time with my family. Today, the challenge is to live a balanced life.

What do you do to relax?

The majority of my free time is spent with my family and their activities. Also, I enjoy playing sports like softball, basketball, and golf.

Who are your heroes/heroines?

My father and mother serve as my most important role models in my life and work. Also, I do have professional colleagues that play a significant role in my professional development.

What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?

If you have an interest in geotechnologies, I would recommend that you seek opportunities to intern or volunteer in organizations that utilize the geotechnologies. Also, I think it is important to seek out a geospatial mentor who can work with you to better understand all aspects of a geospatial career.

Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?

Careers in the geospatial technical fields will increase in the near future. Many studies have documented the need for a geospatial workforce in the 21st century. The future looks very bright for this emerging technology.

Email: james.rattlingleaf@sinte.edu

Degree Major Institution

A.A.

General Studies

Sinte Gleska University

B.S.

Environmental Studies

University of Colorado-Boulder