IDS 324SEM—Introduction to Indigenous Science

This course is an introduction to Indigenous science, a cross-cultural discipline that includes the creative process in science and the Indigenous ways of knowing grounded in holism and interconnectedness. Indigenous ways of knowing are based on understanding the human relationship to the natural world. We will briefly discuss the dominant Western paradigm but focus on Indigenous knowledge and wisdom dictated by strong social purpose, honoring the earth as sacred, leading with the head and heart while placing collective responsibility as priority. This course will examine scientific and cultural aspects of Indigenous knowledge. It will focus on understanding science throughout history of Indigenous peoples through contemporary times. We will learn about examples of braiding Indigenous knowledge and western science to become better relatives to the land and to one another.