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.
Why must Indigenous science and ethics be studied together?
Ethics are informed by the principles of Indigenous science, and Indigenous science is rooted in ethical protocols, offering a holistic understanding.
What do Elders teach about life and Creation?
Life is sacred, a ceremony given by the Creator. The land provides everything humans need, including food, medicine, and spiritual nourishment.
What is the role of Elders in Indigenous knowledge?
Elders transmit sacred teachings from the Creator, guiding understanding of life as a ceremony and humans’ responsibilities to Creation.
What is the central idea of Indigenous science?
Indigenous science teaches that Creation itself informs societal ethics and behaviors, emphasizing interdependence with the environment.
How do Creation stories contribute to Indigenous philosophy?
Creation stories convey moral teachings, define identity, map territories, and emphasize accountability and adaptability to ecological changes.
What are the five tenets of Indigenous science according to Leroy Little Bear?
Space/Land
Constant Motion/Flux
All Is Animate and Imbued with Spirit
Relationship
Renewal
How are animals viewed in Indigenous philosophies?
Animals are sentient beings with spirit; hunting involves reciprocal relationships, respect, and acknowledgment of animals’ sacrifices.
What is the purpose of renewal in Indigenous science?
Renewal ceremonies restore balance and maintain relationships within Creation, ensuring that cycles and relationships continue harmoniously.
What role do ceremonies play in Indigenous science?
Ceremonies like fasting or offerings help maintain Creation by renewing relationships, restoring balance, and ensuring the continuation of life cycles.
How do dreams function in Indigenous science?
Dreams are seen as direct communication from spirits or animals, providing guidance, warnings, or insights to maintain harmony with Creation.
How are Indigenous philosophical tenets executed within communities?
Through beliefs, customs, values, and languages shaped by the local environment and historical alliances, creating social contracts and reciprocal obligations of kinship and solidarity.
What is the primary purpose of values in Indigenous societies?
Values instruct community members on how to act in pursuit of a good life and create commitment to meeting both individual and communal needs.
What are the seven ethics identified by Clare Brant as guiding Indigenous behaviors?
Non-interference
Emotional restraint
Sharing
Flexible notion of time (“when the time is right”)
Avoidance of public praise
Complex social relations
Learning by observing and doing
What is the principle of non-interference in Indigenous ethics?
A behavioral norm discouraging coercion, promoting voluntary cooperation, and maintaining balance and stability within the community.
Why is emotional restraint significant in Indigenous ethics?
Emotional restraint helps maintain community harmony by preventing conflict and demonstrating positive role modeling for children.
How does sharing function in Indigenous societies?
Sharing redistributes wealth and resources, fosters reciprocity, and prevents poverty while reinforcing community accountability.
How do Indigenous societies view time?
Time is seen as cyclical, non-linear, and event-oriented, connecting past, present, and future and emphasizing continuity within the community.
How does the ethic of reciprocity apply to relationships with Creation?
Humans are expected to respect animals, plants, and the land by giving back through practices like avoiding waste and performing ceremonies.
What role do stories play in Indigenous philosophy?
Stories convey moral teachings, guide behavior, map the landscape, and help transmit cultural values to future generations.
How are material wealth and generosity viewed in Indigenous societies?
Accumulating wealth is discouraged; generosity is taught and acts of sharing are essential to maintaining balance and community cohesion.
What influence do Indigenous philosophies have on education?
They stress teaching through observation, participation, and storytelling, ensuring the transference of knowledge and cultural values.
What term is used to describe the Indigenous understanding of the mind’s role in human life?
Worldview
Which academic disciplines primarily confined the study of Indigenous ways of knowing before the 1970s?
Anthropology and Sociology
What movement in the late 1960s and ’70s led to a greater recognition of Indigenous voices in academia?
Red Power movement
What was the first formal academic recognition of Indigenous Studies established in 1964?
Native Studies department at the University of Minnesota
Who was the first post-war era Indigenous intellectual to critically explore Indigenous philosophy?
Vine Deloria, Jr.
What seminal work did Vine Deloria, Jr. publish in 1969?
Custer Died for Your Sins
What is the main focus of Indigenous philosophy as described in the text?
Understanding the evolution of ethics and codes of conduct within Indigenous communities
True or False: Indigenous philosophy has been universally accepted as a legitimate academic field.
False
Fill in the blank: Indigenous philosophies developed in response to specific ________ rhythms, patterns, and events.
ecological
What does the term ‘two-eyed seeing’ refer to in the context of Indigenous philosophy?
Emphasizing the strengths of both Indigenous and Western perspectives
Who is the Blood (Kainai) philosopher that contributed to the dialogue on Indigenous philosophy in Canada?
Leroy Little Bear
What did Leroy Little Bear’s dialogues with David Bohm focus on?
Underlying principles of the cosmos
What significant argument did Deloria make regarding Indigenous traditions?
They represent a viable alternative to Christian beliefs
What is a key challenge in understanding Indigenous philosophies according to the text?
The essence of Indigenous cultures is often tied to their languages
According to the text, what misconception do mainstream Canadian views hold about Indigenous cultures?
That they lack structured philosophies and written languages
What does Indigenous Studies aim to achieve?
Evaluate and understand how Indigenous peoples respond to social, political, and economic forces
What does the land symbolize in Indigenous philosophy according to Gregory Cajete?
The memories, bones of ancestors, and the essence of culture
How did Indigenous and Western philosophies differ in their historical development?
Indigenous philosophies evolved from unique ecological contexts, while Western philosophies developed in Europe
Fill in the blank: The belief that Indigenous perspectives are essentialist is challenged by the _______ diversity in Canada.
cultural and linguistic
What publication was the first collection of essays produced by Indigenous scholars on Indigenous philosophy?
American Indian Thought
What is a common characteristic of the Iroquois and Inuit societies mentioned in the text?
Each has unique social and political structures
What is a matriarchal system?
A system where the mother is head of the family
How did the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) primarily sustain themselves?
They were principally an agricultural people
What characterized the communities of the Inuit?
Small, highly mobile communities guided by strong male influences
What is a central tenet of Indigenous ways of knowing in North American Indigenous communities?
Measuring existence by ensuring the land’s health instead of pursuing wealth
How do Indigenous scholars view the land?
As the heart of Creation and a source of identity
What does ecological philosophy assess?
How the local environment influences beliefs, actions, and approaches to knowing
What are the five tenets of Indigenous science according to Little Bear?
- space/land
- constant motion/flux
- all is animate and imbued with spirit
- relationship
- renewal
What is the significance of storytelling in Indigenous cultures?
Stories encapsulate histories, guide daily activities, and emphasize social and political adaptability
True or False: Indigenous knowledge about the natural world is often viewed as inherently holy.
True
What does the term ‘constant motion/flux’ imply in Indigenous philosophies?
Recognition of ongoing change in the environment and the need for adaptability
Fill in the blank: The land is recognized as the source of life, provided by the _______ for humans to share with all other living creatures.
[Creator]
What is the risk of lacking an understanding of Indigenous philosophies?
Trivializing or oversimplifying complex Indigenous issues
What do Indigenous scholars emphasize regarding the relationship between ethics and Indigenous science?
Ethics are informed by the tenets of Indigenous science
According to Indigenous beliefs, what does Creation teach all beings?
How to behave
What does the Indigenous ‘map’ encompass?
Both time and space including cycles of seasons, movement of game, and significant life events
What is the role of Elders in Indigenous communities?
They approach issues through traditional teachings considered sacred
What does the term ‘Creation’ refer to in Indigenous contexts?
The earth, sky, rivers, lakes, wind, and all beings and spirits
What is the importance of ecological context in shaping Indigenous beliefs?
It leads to unique philosophies and social, political, and economic ideologies
Fill in the blank: Indigenous peoples developed unique ways of interacting with Creation that have been described as an _______ philosophy.
[ecological]
What is the consequence of oversimplifying Indigenous cultures as instinctive?
Neglecting their intricate thought systems and ecological models
What do the stories of the Mi’kmaq and Blackfoot illustrate?
Unique Creation tales that reflect their ecological contexts
What does the phrase ‘speak and sing the land’ signify?
A methodology that connects individuals to Creation through storytelling
What does Little Bear describe as the state of Creation?
Creation remains in a state of constant flux
This flux demands awareness of the environment for survival.
What role do trickster figures play in Indigenous philosophies?
They represent the forces of chaos and mystery and teach about change
Trickster tales are both entertaining and moralistic.
What is the significance of the character Napi among the Blackfoot?
Napi teaches humans about existence and effective relationships with their surroundings.
What does ‘All Is Animate and Imbued with Spirit’ signify in Indigenous beliefs?
Everything in the ecosystem is considered sentient and interconnected
This includes humans, animals, plants, rocks, and celestial bodies.
How do Indigenous peoples perceive their relationship with the land?
It is akin to a mother-child relationship, emphasizing interconnectedness and responsibility.
What does the spiderweb analogy illustrate in Indigenous philosophy?
It represents the interrelated nature of all beings within Creation.
What is the role of animals in Indigenous perspectives on Creation?
Animals are seen as having spiritual powers and are part of reciprocal relationships.
Fill in the blank: In Indigenous hunting practices, animals are conceptualized as _______.
gifts.
What lesson do animals like the buffalo impart according to Indigenous teachings?
To confront one’s fears by facing challenges directly.
What is the significance of dreams in Indigenous cultures?
Dreams are seen as a form of communication with the spiritual realm and guidance from other-than-human entities.
What does Little Bear mean by the renewal of Creation?
Creation must be continuously renewed through ceremonies and storytelling.
How do ceremonies contribute to the maintenance of Creation?
They help renew relationships and restore balance within communities.
What do Indigenous philosophies emphasize regarding the observer’s role?
The observer actively participates in creating reality.
How are cultural values developed in Indigenous communities?
Through historical alliances and social contracts that establish obligations.
True or False: In Indigenous cultures, there is a separation between humans and nature.
False.
What did Ojibwa scholar James Dumont emphasize about understanding Native teachings?
It requires a special way of seeing the world and participation in that perspective.
What do renewal ceremonies aim to achieve?
Restoring personal, community, and regional balance.
What is the importance of maintaining relationships in a constantly changing universe?
Failure to renew relationships can lead to their undoing.
What is meant by the term ‘Three Sisters’ in relation to Iroquois creation stories?
Corn, beans, and squash represent interconnected elements in Indigenous agriculture.
Fill in the blank: Indigenous philosophies view the universe as a _______.
living entity.
What are the three main categories of ethics identified by Clare Brant?
- non-interference
- emotional restraint
- sharing
What are the four less influential categories of ethics identified by Clare Brant?
- a notion of time emphasizing ‘when the time is right’
- avoiding public expressions of praise
- ordering social relations according to complex rules
- learning by doing
What is the key ethic described by Clare Brant?
non-interference
How does Brant define non-interference?
A behavioral norm that promotes positive interpersonal relations by discouraging coercion.
What is the purpose of the ethic of non-interference?
To ensure economic and political stability and community balance.
What must individuals maintain according to the ethic of emotional restraint?
Emotional restraint is crucial for community survival and balance.
What is the attitude of Indigenous peoples towards material possessions?
Accumulating material possessions is seen as a sign of individual weakness.
What role does sharing play in Indigenous cultures?
Acts of sharing are promoted and essential for community balance.
How is time perceived in Indigenous cultures according to Brant?
Time is non-linear and cyclic, emphasizing events over chronological order.
What is one major consequence of failing to show respect for shared resources?
It could irreparably damage reciprocal relationships within Creation.
What was the estimated number of Indigenous students attending university in 2011?
25,000 Indigenous students
What percentage of universities in Canada are working to include Indigenous representation in governance?
71 percent
What funding amount did the Canadian government dedicate to Indigenous language revitalization in 2019?
$334 million
Which Indigenous languages are predicted to survive beyond 2100?
- Cree
- Ojibway
- Inuktitut
What is the expected consequence of failing to protect Indigenous languages?
The potential loss of languages is described as a crisis.
What is one of the foundational ideas of Indigenous philosophy regarding relationships?
Each being is responsible for transferring power to others to maintain balance.
True or False: The Indigenous concept of time emphasizes strict adherence to schedules.
False
Fill in the blank: The __________ ethic promotes emotional restraint in Indigenous communities.
emotional restraint
Who stated that language is central to Indigenous cultural and spiritual identities?
Grand Chief Ed John
What is emphasized in Indigenous cultures as opposed to individual material wealth?
Generosity and sharing
What is the relationship between Indigenous knowledge and ecological forces?
Indigenous knowledge informs responses to ecological forces.
What do Indigenous cultures teach about selfish behavior?
Selfish behavior is warned against and seen as detrimental.
What does the term ‘reciprocal relationships’ refer to in Indigenous cultures?
Mutual respect and obligations between beings within Creation.
Who edited the book ‘American Indian Thought: Philosophical Essays’?
Anne Waters
This book includes various essays on Native American philosophy.
What is the title of Vine Deloria Jr.’s book that provides a Native view of religion?
God Is Red: A Native View of Religion
This book explores the spiritual beliefs of Native American cultures.
What concept does Willie Ermine discuss in ‘Aboriginal Epistemology’?
Aboriginal Epistemology
It addresses the ways of knowing and understanding in Indigenous cultures.
What is the focus of Donald K. Fixico’s book ‘The American Indian Mind in a Linear World’?
American Indian Studies and Traditional Knowledge
It examines the differences between Indigenous and Western ways of thinking.
What does the term ‘Ayukpachi’ refer to in Sakej Youngblood Henderson’s work?
Empowering Aboriginal Thought
It emphasizes the importance of Indigenous perspectives in knowledge systems.
Fill in the blank: F. David Peat wrote ‘Lighting the Seventh Fire: The _______ Ways, Healing, and Science of the Indigenous American.’
Spiritual
This work discusses the intersection of spirituality and science in Indigenous cultures.
Who authored ‘Journeying to Turtle Island: A Never Ending Quest into Native American Knowledge’?
Miryam Servet
This book explores the continuous pursuit of understanding Native American knowledge.
True or False: ‘Philosophy and Aboriginal Rights: Critical Dialogues’ is edited by Sandra Tomsons and Lorraine Mayer.
True
This work presents discussions on Indigenous rights and philosophy.
What is the central theme of Vine Deloria Jr.’s ‘The Metaphysics of Modern Existence’?
Exploring modern existence from an Indigenous perspective
This book critiques contemporary philosophical views through Indigenous lenses.
What is the main argument in David Newhouse’s essay ‘Imagining New Worlds: The Aboriginal Imagination’?
The Aboriginal imagination and its cultural significance
It highlights the creative expressions and worldviews of Indigenous peoples.
Fill in the blank: ‘Returning to the Teachings: Exploring Aboriginal _______’ by Rupert Ross discusses Indigenous justice systems.
Justice
This book examines traditional Indigenous practices of justice and their relevance today.
Who wrote ‘Native Science: Natural Laws of Interdependence’?
Gregory Cajete
This work discusses Indigenous science and its principles of interdependence.
What is the primary focus of Clara Sue Kidwell and Alan Velie’s ‘Native American Studies’?
Overview of Native American cultures and histories
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to Native American studies.
True or False: ‘The Kiss of the Fur Queen’ is a novel by Tomson Highway.
True
This work is a significant contribution to Indigenous literature.
What does the term ‘Aboriginal Title’ refer to in the context of Indigenous rights?
The inherent rights of Indigenous peoples to their traditional lands
This concept is crucial in discussions about land rights and sovereignty.
Fill in the blank: ‘Wisdom of the Elders’ by Peter Knudston and David Suzuki discusses the _______ of Indigenous knowledge.
Importance
This book emphasizes the value of traditional ecological knowledge.
What is the significance of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples’ report?
It provides a comprehensive analysis of Indigenous issues in Canada
This report recommends actions for reconciliation and justice.
Who is the author of ‘My Elders Taught Me: Aspects of Western Great Lakes American Indian Philosophy’?
John Boatman
This work explores philosophical teachings from Indigenous elders.
What is the primary subject of the essay ‘Native Ethics and Rules of Behaviour’ by Clare Brant?
Ethical guidelines in Native cultures
This essay discusses moral principles and social responsibilities in Indigenous communities.
True or False: ‘Protecting Indigenous Knowledge and Heritage’ is authored by Marie Battiste and Sakej Youngblood Henderson.
True
This work addresses the challenges of safeguarding Indigenous knowledge.
