Lecture 10 Flashcards
There are approximately _______ Indigenous peoples in the world, belonging to _____ different groups, in ____ countries worldwide
370 million; 5,000; 90
Therefore, Indigenous knowledge should be viewed as complex knowledge systems that have developed
overtime by a particular people in a particular area that has been transmitted from generation to generation
Indigenous knowledge is strongly linked to the natural world:
Indigenous languages, cultural practices, and oral traditions are intimately connected to the earth
Although the definition of Indigenous knowledge is _________ to pin down
difficult
Indigenous knowledge is considered:
Adaptive
Cumulative
Dynamic
Holistic
Humble
Intergenerational
Invaluable
Irreplaceable
Moral
Non-linear
Observant
Relative
Responsible
Spiritual
Unique
Valid
An individual’s health, like many other aspects of a person, is interconnected
to the people, the land, and the world they live in.
These connections, as seen in the image to the right, can be described as
5 circles extending away from any one person.
Centre
5 circles extending away from any one person.
Second Circle
Different aspects of health (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual)
Third Circle
Overarching values that support wellness (respect, wisdom, responsibility, and relationships)
Fourth Circle
The people that surround an individual (nation, family, community, and land)
Fifth Circle
Social, cultural, economic, and environmental determinants of our health and well-being
Indigenous knowledge is preserved
and passed down in both formal and informal settings through social encounters, oral traditions, ritual practices, and other activities.
Information, both culturally symbolic as well as relevant to everyday life is passed down in this fashion. Information about:
- Oral narratives that recount human histories
- Cosmological observations and modes of reckoning time
- Symbolic and decorative modes of communication
- Techniques for planting and harvesting
- Hunting and gathering skills
- Specialized understanding of local ecosystems
- How to manufacture specialized tools and technologies (i.e. hide tanning, pottery-making, concocting medicinal remedies, etc.)
Indigenous communities have devised distinctive methods of encoding useful data within philosophies of thought and modes of activity
Data encoded includes geographical, genealogical, and biological information
The term “Elder” was originally used to describe individuals who practice, maintain, and teach the unique
customs, beliefs, and practices pertaining to Indigenous knowledge
Elder is a term used by
the settlers
Traditional Knowledge [Holders] are the
foundation from which First Nations and Métis traditions, customs, laws, and spirituality are taught
Gifting has a long tradition in Indigenous cultures
The offering of tobacco to a Knowledge Holder when an individual seeks their knowledge, wisdom, or prayers is consistent throughout Saskatchewan
Knowledge Holders have passed down
Indigenous knowledge from generation to generation since time immemorial
Knowledge holders goal is
to achieve balance and harmony within their community, and preserve their practices, knowledge, and culture.
Knowledge holders Do not attempt to “convert” individuals; instead,
only wish to have their practices and beliefs understood and respected by those unfamiliar with Indigenous traditions
Knowing what it contains and how it is acquired and held is fundamental
to being able to make good use of the knowledge and to encourage all parties to be aware of the added value its utilization will bring
