INDS 515- Blog Reflection

I think there is generally a lack of understanding of Indigenous world views, and this lack of understanding can be exacerbated by the inherently extractive nature of Western society. Simpson references the academic interest in Indigenous Knowledge (IK) as it pertains to environmental issues. This is something I am very aware of, working in climate change and for the Métis Nation of Alberta. I hear proposals and programs talk about weaving, bridging or braiding IK into work all the time. However, I hear less about why they want to do this, and rather it comes across as being prescriptive and extractive, and what may have been intended as an olive branch to build relationships acts in the opposite way. I think making time for connecting before the work needs to be done is important, and a way forward to honest dialogue exchanges. Also, for academics to do their homework beforehand and try to learn about the Indigenous nation they are contacting and hoping to learn from. Lastly, the word ‘co-development’ has been buzzing around environmental policy practices, intending to create partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations to include both knowledge systems in work. I think this is a promising approach, and maybe a step towards creating more understanding and familiarity with how to meaningfully engage and work together.

Simpson, L. R. (2004). Anticolonial strategies for the recovery and maintenance of Indigenous knowledge. American Indian Quarterly, 28(3&4), 373-384.