Knowing Home: Braiding Indigenous Science with Western Science Book 1
Gloria Snively , University of Victoria
Wanosts’a7 Lorna Williams, University of Victoria
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Publisher: University of Victoria
Language: English
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Reviews
This text is thoughtful in its presentation and analysis of how science education as a field and practice might incorporate ways of knowing other than Western Science. The authors walk the reader through Indigenous Science as a worldview and a... read more
This text is thoughtful in its presentation and analysis of how science education as a field and practice might incorporate ways of knowing other than Western Science. The authors walk the reader through Indigenous Science as a worldview and a means of creating culturally responsive science curricula. They argue for building a science curriculum that is responsive to Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing, providing an in-depth look at the epistemology and history of Indigenous Science and what it might look like across a number of contexts including urban and rural schools, as well as teacher preparation programs.
This book is written by experts with decades of experience. Their stories and experience are central to the text. The addition of their voices makes this a compelling, thoughtful read.
This text is unlike any I've ever read in science education. But then, that's the whole point. This text positions itself as a counterpart to Western ways of knowing about the natural world. I appreciated how they built their argument using their own structures, not those traditionally encountered in science education.
The authors have organized this text so that it flows like a conversation. Just as a question would form in my mind, the text tackled that issue.
The authors are careful to define terms, knowing that readers may not be familiar with Indigenous language.
Absolutely, yes. The text is presented in 2 chunks: Book 1 makes the case for why Indigenous Science should be included as part of the science curriculum and Book 2 presents case studies as a means of proving their case.
Yes, the structure of the text as a Book 1 and Book 2 makes it easy to follow.
I did not encounter any issues with this text.
The writing is conversational in tone and the authors use inviting language as a way of removing barriers for the reader.
This book includes multiple discussions of appropriate terminology, in addition to calling out the importance of names, relationships with time and land.
I learned so much from this text. I wish the US had a similar commitment to its Indigenous people.
Table of Contents
- I. Theoretical, Historical and Epistemological Foundations
- Chapter 1 - Braiding Indigenous Science with Western Science
- Chapter 2 - Why Transforming the Science Curriculum is Necessary for Aboriginal Students
- Chapter 3 - “Coming to Know”: A Framework for Indigenous Science Education
- Chapter 4 - Creating Change: Instructional Strategies, Teacher Education, Teaching Science in Rural Aboriginal and Urban Multicultural Schools
- Chapter 5 - Representations of Indigenous Science in Textbooks, Curriculum Resources, and Government Documents
- II. Understanding and Acknowledging Indigenous Science
- Chapter 6 - Indigenous Science: Proven, Practical and Timeless
- Chapter 7 - A Window into the Indigenous Science of Some Indigenous Peoples of Northwestern North America
- III. Understanding Children’s Ideas, Beliefs and Worldviews
- Chapter 8 - When Uncles Become Killer Whales: Bridging Indigenous Science, Western Science and Worldviews
- Chapter 9 - Changing Students’ Perceptions of Scientists, the Work of Scientists, and Who Does Science
- IV. Indigenous Science Curriculum
- Chapter 10 - Seasonal Wheel
- Chapter 11 - Money from the Sea: A Cross-cultural Indigenous Science Problem-solving Activity
- Chapter 12 - Dzaxwan (Oolichan Fish): Stories my Elders Told Me
- Chapter 13 - Gwaya'elas, How We Do Things: The Development and Evaluation of Dzaxwan Curriculum
- Chapter 14 - Storytelling is our Textbook and Curriculum Guide
- Chapter 15 - Gitga'at Plant Project: Bridging the Gap between Generations
Ancillary Material
Submit ancillary resourceAbout the Book
Knowing Home attempts to capture the creative vision of Indigenous scientific knowledge and technology that is derived from an ecology of a home place. The traditional wisdom component of Indigenous Science—the values and ways of decision-making—assists humans in their relationship with each other, the land and water, and all of creation. Indigenous perspectives have the potential to give insight and guidance to the kind of environmental ethics and deep understanding that we must gain as we attempt to solve the increasingly complex problems of the 21st century.
Braiding Indigenous Science and Western Science is a metaphor used to establish a particular relationship. Linked by braiding, there is a certain reciprocity. Each strand remains a separate entity, but all strands come together to form the whole. When we braid Indigenous Science with Western Science we acknowledge that both ways of knowing are legitimate forms of knowledge.
The book provides a window into the vast storehouse of innovations and technologies of the Indigenous peoples who live in Northwestern North America. It is our hope that the Indigenous Science examples, research and curriculum models will inspire deep reflection regarding the under-representation of Aboriginal students in the sciences. It is intended that the rich examples and cases, combined with the resources listed in the appendices, will enable teachers and students to explore Indigenous Science examples in the classroom, and in addition, support the development of curriculum projects in home places.
About the Contributors
Editors
Dr. Gloria Snively is Professor Emeritus at the University of Victoria where she taught science methods, environmental/marine education, and culture courses. She was Director of the Graduate Program in Environmental Education. For 12 years, she was involved with the Asia Pacific Network whose purpose is to strengthen links between the research community and school-based environmental education in the Asia-Pacific region. Her work with Indigenous education spans 4 decades and has always been inspired by Indigenous leaders. She enjoyed giving natural history talks and walks to students, teachers, park interpreters, First Nations and community groups for 50 years; she prefers to explore forest, ponds and seashores first-hand.
Dr. Wanosts’a7 Lorna Williams OBC walking in peace is Lil’wat of the St’at’yem’c First Nation. Her life has been devoted to promoting and restoring Indigenous culture and language. She worked as an Indigenous educator and language specialist for more than 50 years in diverse settings, including Indigenous communities, public schools, and adult education settings. Dr. Williams recently retired from the University of Victoria as Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledge and Learning (co-appointment with Faculty of Education and Department of Linguistics) and an associate professor, where she developed and delivered an innovative series of courses on learning and teaching in an Indigenous world.