Author Archives: RaymondKline

Enhancing School Science with Indigenous Knowledge: What We Know from Teachers and Research is a handbook prepared for the Saskatoon Public Schools. Multiple authors contribute stories, studies and research relating to the topic. Some of the sections include: combining Indigenous knowledge and science, initial concerns of teachers, critical elements that produce student achievement and culturally valid assessment. This handbook answered many questions I had about incorporating Indigenous knowledge into the science curriculum.

The authors, Douglas Medin and Megan Bang, describe the two knowledge systems and how they can influence each other. Influences of culture are examined. Chapter 5 titled Science Reflects Who Does It, sheds light on the influence of the dominant culture on science and its outcomes.

Published by the Three Corners Health Services Society in Williams Lake, this book is a collection of plants native to the central interior region. Each plant is identified both by common name and by the Secwepemc name. Descriptions of what, where and when to collect is given for each plane as well as the medicinal uses and how to prepare the material.

In this book by Glen Aikenhead and Herman Michell, Western science and Indigenous ways of knowing nature are explained in great detail. The contrast and benefits of the two systems is discussed. Excellent book to explore the differences between the two systems.

The book, Plant Technology by Nancy Turner is a comprehensive collection of plants and how the First Nations in British Columbia utilize them. Each plant has a botanical description, habitat, distribution in B.C., picture, common name and scientific name. Each plant’s uses are described as well as which groups use them. Excellent resource for incorporating into place-based learning activities

He was an associate professor at the University of Alaska. He was a Yup’ik teacher, actor and anthropologist.

Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Alaska Native Ways of Knowing

ALASKA NATIVE EDUCATION: HISTORY AND ADAPTATION IN THE NEW MILLENIUM

A professor from the University of New Mexico. He focuses on teaching culturally based science.

Cajete, Gregory and Leroy Little Bear. Native Science: Natural Laws of Interdependence. Clear Light Books, 2000

Cajete, Gregory. A People’s Ecology: Explorations in Sustainable Living. Clear Light Books, 1999

Cajete, Gregory. Igniting the Sparkle: An Indigenous Science Education Model. Kivaki Press, 1999

Cajete, Gregory. Look to the Mountain: An Ecology of Indigenous Education. Kivaki Press, 1994

From the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan. He has written many articles and books about science education and indigenous ways of knowing.

Books

Enhancing School Science with Indigenous Knowledge:
What We Know from Teachers and Research

Bridging Cultures: Indigenous and Scientific Ways of Knowing Nature

Science Education for Everyday Life: Evidence-Based Practice

Articles

An Emerging Decolonizing Science Education in Canada
Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 2010 (coauthor)

Indigenous Knowledge and Science Revisited
Cultural Studies of Science Education, 2007 (co-author)

Towards Decolonizing the Pan-Canadian Science Framework
Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 2006

Cross-Cultural Science Teaching: Rekindling Traditions for Aboriginal Students
Canadian Journal of Science, Math and Technology Education, 2002

Integrating Western and Aboriginal Sciences: Cross-Cultural Science Teaching
Research in Science Education, 2001

Nancy Turner is an ethnobotanist from the University of Victoria and has worked with indigenous peoples of British Columbia. Below is a list of some of the books shes has written.

Ancient Pathways, Ancestral Knowledge: Ethnobotany and Ecological Wisdom of Indigenous Peoples of Northwestern North America.

The Earth’s Blanket

Plant Technology of First Peoples in British Columbia Including Neighbouring groups in Washington, Alberta and Alaska

Food Plants of Coastal First Peoples

Food Plants of Interior First Peoples

I am interested in linking Indigenous knowledge, ethnobotany and place-based learning to engage students in learning that is meaningful and relevant to them.

Links and videos linking math, Aboriginal knowledge and placed base learning.

https://swswlibrary.com/positive-learning-experiences/place-based-math/