ENGAGE
Traditional Native Knowledge
How is a Native understanding of Spirit to be understood from a western point of view? What is Spirit? What is Inua? What is Sila?
Traditional Native Knowledge
How is a Native understanding of Spirit to be understood from a western point of view? What is Spirit? What is Inua? What is Sila?
EXPLORE
Let's set the stage for our exploration of the cultural roles of Inuit traditional native knowledge by watching the TD video, People of the Arctic. As you watch the video, see if you can relate to the many strong connections between the Inuit and where they live.
Helpful Hint: Consider Frame, Focus Follow-up. Reading the brief background provided for each TD video is a great way Frame and Focus your time and learning.
ENGAGE
In what ways do traditional Native knowledge systems differ from Western science knowledge? What are the values of each system and how do they compliment each each other?
EXPLORE
To further illuminate the intersection between these two world views, please read the TD background essay for the TD video, The Spirit of Subsistence Living. It’s an excellent description of traditional native ways of knowing presented alongside modern scientific ways of knowing. It further discusses the value of integrating both world views.
After you've read the essay, watch the TD video, The Spirit of Subsistence Living. While watching the video, think back on the essay you've just read and the questions posed above. Imagine yourself in the role of one of the teachers visiting the village of Chevak, and think about how the world of Western science intersects with Cup'ik ways of knowing.
Helpful Hint: Did you see the other TD resources associated with The Spirit of Subsistence Living? Keep those resources at your fingertips by saving materials you like in your TD folders.
EXPLORE SOME MORE
Alaska Native Science Commission
Now let's consider the perspective of the Alaska Native Science Commission (ANSC). Among other interests, the ANSC, "seek(s) participation of Alaska Natives at all levels of science." Go to the About Us link on their website and read the ANSC list of Mission and Concerns. Take a few moments to consider how their interests may align and/or differ from those of modern western science.
Now let's consider the perspective of the Alaska Native Science Commission (ANSC). Among other interests, the ANSC, "seek(s) participation of Alaska Natives at all levels of science." Go to the About Us link on their website and read the ANSC list of Mission and Concerns. Take a few moments to consider how their interests may align and/or differ from those of modern western science.
The ANSC essay Traditional Knowledge Systems in the Arctic states, "while it is not appropriate to compare scientific and traditional knowledge as equivalents, the use of traditional knowledge in scientific knowledge...means that the two knowledge bases will be in contact with each other as practitioners attempt to weave the two together." While detailing the value of traditional native knowledge, the ANSC essay also offers an indigenous perspective on the culture of modern science.
Read Traditional Knowledge Systems in the Arctic and note in particular the table comparing and contrasting both systems of knowledge. Continuing on the same page, review the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Board Policy for Research.
EXPLAIN
- In what ways do traditional native knowledge compliment modern scientific knowledge?
EXTEND
- How do the ANSC and AFN perspectives help inform your view of the roles of modern and traditional ways of knowing?
EVALUATE
- How you personally value the "participation of Alaska Natives at all levels of science"?
