ISPS approaches peace building from the convergence of Western and Indigenous thinking.
University for Peace, Costa Rica
Pictured: Pacha, a Yanakuna cultural practitioner, calling to the wisdom of the petrospheres in the south of Costa Rica.“Every once in a great while a breakthrough in
education comes along that seems destined to
achieve excellence in itself, as well as become a
model for similar programs to come…”
Winds of Change, Journal of the American Indian Science and Engineering
Society, 1994
What is ISPS?
The Indigenous Science and Peace Studies program offers students the opportunity to be immersed in courses bridging the two ways of knowing: Indigenous Science and Western Science. Students will participate in exchanges with Indigenous knowledge keepers, community leaders, scholars and scientists from around the globe. They will also be challenged to integrate Indigenous Science within their own work to create a balance between both ways of knowing within themselves. Indigenous Science and Peace Studies provides a unique way to nurture and create clear visions for the Earth’s renewal.The initial inception of the ISPS program was created in 1993 as the world’s first accredited doctoral program taught from the perspective of Indigenous mind and science.
The Prophecy of the Eagle and Condor, 1993. Mazatl Galindo.
“Our aim is to promote dialogue and discussion, to discover what we can learn from each other and, in particular, to explore the limitations that may be inherent in one particular knowledge system—that known as Western Science. It is an exploration of two different ways of knowing, two different worlds of consciousness, and a discovery of the ways that peoples can begin to have dialogues with each other, enter into relationships, and offer each other respect and courtesy that is the hallmark of humanity." - David Peat, WISN Co-Founder
Who would not be wise to walk the path so long traveled by the Ancestors?
-Hale Makua, Hawaiian Elder
Academic Program
The Master of Arts Degree in Indigenous Science and Peace Studies (ISPS) was founded in the peace-making traditions of the Haudenoshaunee peoples and ancient council traditions in Northern Europe. Present and past Indigenous traditions hold generations-tested ways of making peace and creating balanced societies.
Taught from the perspective of Indigenous Science and wisdom, ISPS offers students the opportunity to be immersed in exchanges with Indigenous knowledge keepers, community leaders, scholars and academics from around the globe.
This approach enables students to embody life-sustaining principles in their work on behalf of people’s sovereignty, self-determination, and peace. ISPS will focus students’ determination and skills, igniting a clear fire vision for Earth’s renewal.
Apply
We are currently accepting applications. To apply, click here.