Connection of Indigenous Knowledge To Science and Technology

Connection of Indigenous Knowledge to Science And Technology
Throughout history, Indigenous peoples have been responsible for the development of many
technologies and have substantially contributed to science.
Science is the pursuit of the knowledge. Approaches to gathering that knowledge are culturally
relative. Indigenous science incorporates traditional knowledge and Indigenous perspectives,
while non-Indigenous scientific approaches are commonly recognized as Western science.
Together, they contribute substantially to modern science.
Although the value of integrating Indigenous science with Western science has been
recognized, we have only begun to scratch the surface of its benefits.
Indigenous perspectives are holistic and founded upon interconnectedness, reciprocity and the
utmost respect for nature. Both Western and Indigenous science approaches and perspectives
have their strengths and can greatly complement one another.
As an Indigenous scientist who specializes in combining traditional ecological knowledge with
wildlife ecology research, I have come across many examples where blending both approaches
has resulted in excellent contributions to modern science.
Roots of food and medicine
For centuries, Indigenous people’s lives depended on their knowledge about the environment.
Many plant species — including three-fifths of the crops now in cultivation and enjoyed across
the globe — were domesticated by Indigenous peoples in North, Central and South America.
Corn, squash, beans, potatoes and peppers are just a few examples of foods that now
contribute vastly to global cuisine!

Indigenous knowledge about the medicinal properties of plants has been instrumental in
pharmacological development. For example, as settlers arrived in North America, Indigenous
people helped newcomers cure life-threatening scurvy through conifer-needle tonics that were
rich in vitamin C.
The active ingredient in the pain reliever Aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, was first discovered by
Indigenous people who utilized the bark of the willow tree. Medicinal plant properties are still
being recognized to this day — especially in tropical ecosystems — as Indigenous people share
their knowledge.
Technology to TEK
Technological innovations such as the canoe, kayak, toboggan or snowshoe aided in travel and
transport and were quickly adapted by European settlers.
Indigenous peoples, with their decades of personal experience combined with that of their
ancestors, harbour vast knowledge about the environment and the ecological relationships
within them. Tremendous opportunities exist where such knowledge can contribute to modern
science and natural resource management.
Indigenous knowledge, also known as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), is essentially
the cumulative body of knowledge associated with ecological relationships, which is handed
down through generations by Indigenous people.
TEK has already provided insight into environmental change, wildlife population monitoring,
sustainable harvesting practices, behavioural ecology, ecological relationships and so much
more.
Inuit observations have identified several important environmental changes in the Arctic as a
result of climate change, and their knowledge about bowhead whale behaviour helped
researchers revise their survey methods to improve population size estimates.
Elders of the Heiltsuk First Nation in B.C. recognized two types of wolves — coastal and inland
— previously undocumented by Western scientific methods. With such proven value in only a
few examples, imagine how TEK can further inform science!
TEK continues to complement Western science. In light of recent moose population decline
across North America, my own research aims to incorporate Indigenous knowledge to help
identify factors that may be responsible for this decline.
Indigenous education is essential
Despite the recognized value of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, there are few
Indigenous science scholars. Scholars with specialization in Indigenous science can provide
mentorship as well as become role models for current and prospective Indigenous science
students.
By encouraging Indigenous science scholar recruitment, forthcoming research incorporating
Indigenous perspectives can pave the way to promote culturally inclusive scientific approaches.
Many wildlife species are at risk across the planet, and engaging in co-operative management
initiatives that embrace Indigenous science are now more important than ever. Collaborations
are becoming more and more common. For example, the Canadian government incorporates
TEK in assessing species at risk. The Worldwide Indigenous Science Network (WISN) restores
TEK dialogue to the world’s most pressing ecological issues.

Throughout history, Indigenous people, perspectives, and knowledge have contributed
substantially to the development of science and technology and will surely continue to do so for
generations to come!
References:
https://theconversation.com/how-indigenous-knowledge-advances-modern
https://theconversation.com/h

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Connection of Indigenous Knowledge to Science And Technology

technologies and have substantially contributed to science.

relative. Indigenous science incorporates traditional knowledge and Indigenous perspectives,

while non-Indigenous scientific approaches are commonly recognized as Western science.

Together, they contribute substantially to modern science.

recognized, we have only begun to scratch the surface of its benefits.

have their strengths and can greatly complement one another.

As an Indigenous scientist who specializes in combining traditional ecological knowledge with

has resulted in excellent contributions to modern science.

Roots of food and medicine

contribute vastly to global cuisine!

pharmacological development. For example, as settlers arrived in North America, Indigenous

transport and were quickly adapted by European settlers.

science and natural resource management.

Indigenous knowledge, also known as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), is essentially

down through generations by Indigenous people.

sustainable harvesting practices, behavioural ecology, ecological relationships and so much

researchers revise their survey methods to improve population size estimates.

few examples, imagine how TEK can further inform science!

identify factors that may be responsible for this decline.

Indigenous education is essential

By encouraging Indigenous science scholar recruitment, forthcoming research incorporating

TEK dialogue to the world’s most pressing ecological issues.

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