Bringing Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science Together: A Pathway to Co-Creating a Third Way of Science
This blog was inspired by a class reading, Dr. Cash Ahenakew's, Navigating the polycrisis with relational tools: A Comparative Map of Modern, Indigenous, and Self-Reflexive Collaborative Inquiry-Based Sciences and Technologies.
The relationship between indigenous and Western scientists has often been strained by tension and mistrust. However, imagine if these two knowledge systems could work together with reciprocity, respect, and curiosity. What if we could co-create new knowledge and tune into the wisdom of our ancestors and our living Elders that honours both ways of knowing?
Indigenous knowledge is steeped in a deep connection to the land and the natural world, passed down through generations and rooted in culture and tradition. Western science, on the other hand, focuses on a systematic and empirical approach to understanding the world, often relying on data and analysis.
So, how can we bring these two knowledge systems together? First and foremost, we must acknowledge the value of both ways of knowing. Indigenous knowledge is not inferior to Western science; it is simply different and, I would argue, superior in its relational attentiveness to the subject of study. By recognizing the value of both and the unique contributions of each approach, we can begin to work towards a more collaborative, inventive, impactful and respectful third way of science.
Reciprocity is also key. Both indigenous and Western scientists must be willing to learn from each other, making it a two-way relationship. Instead of one dominant knowledge system, both must be willing to listen, share, and learn.
Respect is also essential. Indigenous knowledge has often been dismissed or ignored by Western science, which needs to change. We must acknowledge the expertise and knowledge that indigenous scientists bring to the table. We must also ensure that indigenous knowledge is properly credited, respected, and honoured rather than appropriated.
Curiosity is important. Both indigenous and Western scientists must be open to new ideas and new ways of thinking. By approaching each other with curiosity and a willingness to learn, we can co-create new knowledge that honours both ways of knowing.
Finally, another way that indigenous and Western scientists can come together is with sacred medicines, such as ayahuasca, peyote, or psilocybin. These plants have been used by indigenous communities for centuries to connect with the spiritual world and gain insight and understanding. Western scientists are now beginning to explore their potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders. By working together, indigenous and Western scientists can explore the healing potential of these sacred medicines while respecting the cultural and spiritual significance they hold for indigenous communities. This can be a powerful way to open our minds and hearts to another way of working together and tuning into a greater vision of and beyond our cultural conditioning.
The benefits of this collaboration are many. We can better understand the world by bringing together indigenous and Western knowledge. We can also work towards more sustainable and equitable solutions to our challenges.
In my experience, there are three crucial steps (the order can fluctuate depending upon the emergent context) that must take place to achieve this:
1. Opening up and connecting genuinely as people. When we open up and genuinely care about the other person and their perspective, collaboration can occur when we share laughter and our hearts. This is true of any relationship, but it is particularly healing coming from different perspectives, histories, and ways of seeing.
2. Recognizing and honouring the pain caused by the harm done. At the University of Minnesota, I witnessed inspiring collaborations between the local Anishinaabe and Dakota tribes, university staff, and scientists. However, I also witnessed harmful missteps and betrayals by the university administration, which only added to the distrust and pain felt by indigenous communities. It is crucial to recognize and honour the pain to work toward reconciliation.
3. Agreeing to put the Earth first in the relationship. Being aligned in care and devotion to the land, water, and sky, and approaching the project and all of creation with reverence.
Furthermore, it is essential for those of us who come from the Western scientific approach to have humility when engaging in relationships with individuals from different backgrounds. Having wise and gentle mentorship and guidance is also important to help us navigate these relationships. We need people willing to point out our blind spots and not “maintain” our integrity but rather help us discover it because we come from cultural conditioning that has broken our trust in our relations on this planet. We are on the frontiers here of reconciliation with an incredibly painful past and present to tend to and attend to.
In conclusion, the relationship between indigenous and Western scientists can be a powerful force for positive change and perhaps the only hope for the future of humans and many species on this planet. By working together with reciprocity, respect, and curiosity, we can co-create new knowledge, a third way that honours both ways of knowing and leaves room for the sacred mystery to enter the relationship and into scientific discovery and understanding. We must acknowledge the value of indigenous knowledge and Western science and work towards a more collaborative and respectful relationship. By doing so, we can better understand the world around us and work towards inventive, reverent, sustainable, and equitable solutions to the poly-crisis we find ourselves in together.
