Barbara A. Gray receives PhD.

On May 8th, 2008, Barbara A. Gray graduated from Arizona State University with a PhD in Justice Studies and Social Inquiry.  Dr. Gray is the daughter of Beedy and George Gray.

Gray did her dissertation on the cultural impacts of environmental injustice on Haudenosaunee culture with Akwesasne as a case study.  Her dissertation included a short documentary of Akwesasne.

The documentary consisted of written text and photos Gray took in and around Akwesasne. She has been working on her dissertation since returning to Akwesasne in 2002.  She returned to work with the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force.  Later she worked for the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs.  Dr. Gray now works for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe as the Tribal Court Administrator.  She also writes a column,  “Tracking the Environment,” for Indian Time.

She said, “There were times, especially two years ago when I was hospitalized and almost died that I thought I was never going to be able to finish my dissertation. I cannot believe I have actually finally accomplished my goal.”

Gray worked on her dissertation after work and weekends.  She defended her dissertation via teleconference because of her inability to travel.  Dr. Solomon Cook, who was the first Native American to receive a PhD from Cornell, and Judge Cook stood beside Gray as she did the oral defense of her dissertation.

“It was really funny.  I sent the final copy of my dissertation to ASU on a Friday and the next day when I woke up, I didn’t know what to do with myself now that I was finished,” said Gray.

She has filled the time making baskets, working in the garden, and enjoying her family and nature.

Gray also has a Juris Doctorate (a law degree).  When asked why she went on to pursue another degree, she said, “I think it was my destiny.  I only applied to one university with the thought.  If it is meant to be, I would be selected.  To my surprise, I was.”

When asked what she learned during the writing of her dissertation, Gray said:

“The survival of our traditional teachings and language, the uniqueness of our culture is more intricately linked with the environment than people think. Our health, our wellbeing, and our spirituality are dependent on a healthy environment.   We need to be able to live according to the instructions we were given as human beings.  We have to have and show respect and love for each other and the rest of the Natural World. This is what will bring about balance, peace, and justice within our families and our communities.”

Gray said she always planned to return to Akwesasne.  “I am happy to be home and to be able to use what I have learned to help protect the environment and the people of Akwesasne.”