Cutcha Risling Baldy

Cutcha Risling Baldy is an Associate Professor and Program Leader of the Environment & Community Masters Program at California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. Her work focuses on Indigenous feminisms, decolonization, California Indian politics, environmental justice, and community-based research. She co-directs the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab & Traditional Ecological Knowledges Institute.

Dr. Baldy has received the 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award for her contributions to Indigenous education and activism. Her research emphasizes revitalizing Indigenous traditions, particularly through women’s coming-of-age ceremonies and ceremonial practices. She is affiliated with the Native American Studies department and collaborates with the Native Women's Collective.

Her articles address topics like Indigenous STEM education, social media activism (#NoDAPL movement analysis), and decolonizing pedagogy. She advocates for integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into academic and community frameworks while challenging colonial policies impacting Indigenous communities.

Dr. Baldy’s book We Are Dancing for You explores Native feminisms through the lens of Yurok coming-of-age ceremonies, emphasizing cultural survivance and community knowledge. She also co-leads the Food Sovereignty Lab, advancing Indigenous food systems and ecological stewardship.