Indigenous Knowledge Systems & Environmental Sustainability

Catalog description

Indigenous Knowledge is the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples, a coherent knowledge system that, through cultural traditions and practices, fully integrates the arts and sciences with practical knowledge of conservation, agriculture, medicine, education, and other components of daily life. This course is not about the Indigenous knowledge of any specific people because that knowledge is passed down traditionally as intergenerational knowledge, but focuses on the interface between Euro-American knowledge systems and Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS). It is designed for students who are interested in learning about cross-cultural theories of knowledge and practice and serving in cross-cultural contexts in areas such as education, conservation, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. We will examine literature on the historical, cultural, and philosophical origins of IKS, indigenous education and research. We will also explore practical guidelines for learning about another culture, respecting intellectual property rights, and developing ethical protocol for working with Indigenous peoples.