Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Program Overview
In this program, students will get an introduction to Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), the evolving knowledge acquired by Indigenous peoples over thousands of years in direct contact with their environment. Students will start by assessing their existing awareness of the present-day and pre-colonial ecology and human history of their home region and conduct independent research to fill the gaps in their knowledge.
Outdoor fieldwork identifying plant and animal life in our neighborhoods will complement an ecosystem mapping project, which will serve to ground students in their natural environment and spark curiosity about the past and future of their local ecosystems. Students will investigate the importance of language to culture, the role of storytelling in transmitting information, the threats posed to the survival of TEK, and the comparative philosophies underlying conflicting economic and societal models. Indigenous leaders and activists will join us as guest lecturers to provide context and answer students' questions. Students who participate in this session will become better equipped to engage with, draw on, protect and amplify Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
Program Highlights
- Local ecology mapping project
- Interviews with elders
- Introduction to Indigenous sovereignty movements
- Expert guest speakers
- Conversations about philosophy, culture and our relationship to nature
What will we explore?
Storytelling & Language
Students better understand the role of oral traditions in passing on TEK, the way in which languages inform and are informed by our perspectives, our philosophies and our environment, and the importance of supporting language revitalization efforts in the wake of linguistic persecution and erasure.
Land and Food Sovereignty
Students meet leaders in Indigenous sovereignty movements to learn about their reasons for becoming activists, the challenges they face, the victories they've secured in their communities, and how to get involved as an ally.
Local Ecologies
Through daily plant identification walks, animal observations and study, students develop a richer understanding of the past, present and future of their local ecosystems.