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Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, &Western ScienceKaren Jarratt-Snider, Ph.D.Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Applied Indigneous StudiesNorthern Arizona University 2011What is Traditional Knowledge, or Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)?The indigenous people of the world possess an immense knowledge of their environments, based on centuries of living close to nature. Living in and from the richness and variety of complex ecosystems, they have an understanding of the properties of plants and animals, the functioning of ecosystems and the techniques for using and managing them that is particular and often detailed. In rural communities in developing countries, locally occurring species are relied on for many - sometimes all - foods, medicines, fuel, building materials and other products. Equally, peoples knowledge and perceptions of the environment, and their relationships with it, are often important elements of cultural identity.

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)1994

TK, TEKDevelops out of Indigenous peoples connections to landhomelands,lifeways and practices.Decades, centuries of observation, understanding, and relationships between Indigenous peoples and the natural worldair, earth, fire, water, plants, animals.Robyn Mogayakunderstanding of birds, plants in the arctic., Hopi & Navajo elders noticing changes in animal patterns, populations, water sources, availabilty, plantspopulations, locations.3Traditional KnowledgeWestern ScienceCommon Element?Based on observation(s) over time Based on observation(s) over time

Specialized (certain keepers of particular knowledge) Specialized (certain keepers of particular knowledge) Generalized (things known throughout the community) Generalized (things known throughout the community) Some things not intended to be shared with everyone Knowledge is public and intended to be widely sharedMethod of transmitting/passing on knowledge is personal, experiential, verbal (Oral tradition) Information is recorded, written, publishedContext is important, relationships are important in understanding informationInformation is separated into discrete disciplinary silos (i. e. hydrology, soil science, chemistry). Focus is often on data, not context.May be connected to spirituality

Not connected to spiritualityOther aspects???Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Western ScienceContext and relationshipsGluscabi and the Wind Eagle example. Teaching and passing on knowledge through stories, understanding the natural world by understanding relationships between/among different elements, aspects of ecosystems, and our relationships to the natural world.4Deloria on Traditional vs. Western ScienceThe main difference between Indigenous knowledge and Western science is that for Indians, the knowledge is personal, and with it comes a responsibility.Red Earth, White Lies (1995)

Many examples of indigenous knowledge---

Indigenous burning practices to prevent high-intensity crown fires and improve ecosystem conditions (more grass, for example)Dry farming and other native-based irrigation/agricultural systems that demonstrate deep knowledge of natural systems. (Hopi, Apache, Tohono Oodham, others)2004 TsunamiThe Onge and other Indigenous peoples escape the tsunami near Indonesia, because of previous observations and knowledge passed down generation to generation.

Examples of Indigenous KnowledgeThere are many more examples, however, those listed in the previous slide are particularly relevant to climate change impacts, such as anticipated decreased precipitation in the Southwestern United States, and anticipated increases in the number of severe weather events.What do applications of TK, TEK tell us?That traditional knowledge is and has been used by native peoples throughout the world to deliberately manage their natural environments, based on their relationships with the land and observations of the natural world over long periods of time.Importance of Combining the Best of TEK & Western Science to Address Environmental Issues Affecting Native Peoples and CommunitiesBetter, more complete data (information), including important context for that information

More complete understanding of impacts Identifying, crafting better solutions

How do we do it?Difficulties Who maintains/keeps the knowledge?

What knowledge can be sharedhow do we manage this?

What is the outcome of sharing knowledge?The Anchorage Declaration2009A gathering of Indigenous peoples from the Arctic, North America, Latin America, Russia, Asia and other parts of the world met to discuss the impacts of climate change on the worlds Indigenous peoples and to develop a call for action.Represents promiseIndicates a willingness of Indigenous peoples to share traditional knowledge in pursuit of finding solutions for climate change impacts

Also reflects the concerns of Indigenous peoples and suggests ways they can be addressed.Text of The Anchorage Declaration

11RespectProtectionContinuityAcknowledgementEqual Partnership