Module 2 - Belanger Ch 1 - Ways of Knowing Flashcards
When did Indigenous ways of knowing gain academic attention in North America?
During the Red Power movement of the 1960s and ’70s, Indigenous leaders demanded more academic inclusion and recognition.
What distinguishes Indigenous philosophy from Western philosophy?
Indigenous philosophy is rooted in ecological rhythms, patterns, and lived experiences specific to North America.
It integrates science, spirituality, socio-political ideas, and socio-economic systems, reflecting a holistic understanding of knowledge.
Why has Indigenous philosophy been marginalized in academia?
Western philosophy dominates as a “universal” framework for understanding knowledge, relegating Indigenous thought to the periphery as non-substantive.
What historical records preserve Indigenous perspectives?
Treaty negotiations and government correspondence from the 19th century often included Indigenous leadership’s views on nationhood and self-governance.
What is a key challenge in integrating Indigenous philosophy into mainstream education?
The academy’s reluctance to engage with Indigenous systems of thought beyond Indigenous Studies programs.
How does Indigenous philosophy view the relationship between humans and the environment?
It emphasizes harmony and interconnectedness, with beliefs and practices fine-tuned to align with the land.
How do mainstream Canadian views often misrepresent Indigenous cultures?
By portraying them as lacking written languages, coherent political systems, and codified social rules, thus dismissing their intellectual sophistication.
What does Leroy Little Bear say about interpreting one’s surroundings?
He argues there is no universal way to interpret the environment; each culture defines reality based on its unique experiences.
What concern do some scholars have about the term “Indigenous perspective”?
It risks essentialism, assuming all Indigenous people think or act in the same way based on ethnicity or culture.
What is Indigenous philosophy?
It is a framework of thought rooted in the lived experiences, ecological relationships, and cultural teachings of Indigenous communities, guiding interpretations of life and reality.
Why is it challenging to define a universal Indigenous philosophy?
Each Indigenous community has unique ecological, social, and cultural contexts, making it impossible to construct a single interpretive model.
How did the Iroquois and Inuit differ in their ways of life?
Iroquois: Matriarchal, settled agricultural communities.
Inuit: Male-led, highly mobile communities dependent on hunting large game and sea mammals.
What is the role of the land in Indigenous philosophy?
The land is viewed as the heart of Creation, where humans are stewards responsible for maintaining balance and harmony with all beings.
How do Indigenous philosophies measure human existence?
By how well people ensure the health and safety of the land, rather than pursuing personal wealth or exploitation of Earth’s resources.
What are the two main schools of thought in Indigenous ways of knowing?
Indigenous science: Explores ideas like constant flux, relationship, and spirit, often integrating concepts of quantum mechanics.
Indigenous ethics: Focuses on codes of conduct, values, and social, political, and economic responses to the environment.
