Indigenous Biologists and Culture Frames: Effects on Stereotype Perceptions and Conservation Policy Support in Environmental News.

This article examines how the inclusion of Indigenous scientists, specifically tribal wildlife biologists, as expert sources in environmental news influences public perceptions of Indigenous peoples and support for conservation policy, focusing on the Recovering America's Wildlife Act (RAWA). Using a 2×2 experimental survey design (source: tribal vs. state biologist; frame: biodiversity vs. cultural values) with 624 U.S. participants, the study found that featuring Indigenous scientists increased perceptions of Indigenous competence but did not affect policy support. However, framing conservation in terms of shared cultural values, rather than biodiversity alone, significantly increased public support for conservation policy regardless of the source. The findings suggest that journalists can enhance Indigenous representation and public support for environmental policies by including Indigenous scientists and emphasizing cultural value frames, while Indigenous scientists may strategically highlight shared cultural values to foster policy backing without reinforcing stereotypes.