What is Indigenous Science?
Indigenous Science is one of the major intellectual traditions of humanity; it is distinguished from other wisdom traditions in that it is both a way of knowing and being that emanates from the Earth. Like western forms of inquiry, Indigenous Science includes a study of foundational literature but unlike other forms of science, the pedagogical foundation of Indigenous Science also derives from ancient rock writings that set forth knowledge and ways of merging with the earth based, holistic consciousness.
On an individual level, Indigenous Science is embodied wisdom, which forms the dynamic core of the Indigenous Science and Peace Studies process. In this survey course, students study traditional Indigenous stories, learn from Elders and review literature that compares and contrasts Indigenous Science with Western science. These streams of thought and study merge in the meditative engagement with the ancient symbols of students’ own ancestral heritage.
Read more about Indigenous Science here .
Tenets of Indigenous Science
You put yourself in it.
Earth and nature is intelligent and alive; we can communicate.
The purpose of Indigenous Science is to maintain balance or harmony
Indigenous Science collapses time and space; we can see and know past, present and future
All life is relational; our purpose is to understand and complete our relationships
Indigenous Science is holistic and draws on all the senses
The endpoint of Indigenous Science is a known, recognized place, peaceful and electrifying. In this place of exact harmony, creativity occurs
At the moment of exact balance/harmony we are embodied (not transcended)
Humor is a critical ingredient even in the most powerful ceremonial, Indigenous Science protocols.
Traditional Knowledge
Dr. Apela Colorado speaks on the importance of Traditional Knowledge (2009)
