Throughout Module 4, I was struck by how much of a role traditional knowledge plays in science, but how little of it is talked about or shared at the high school level. Reading the articles over the past two weeks was an eye-opening experience, one that has encouraged me to do further reading on this particular issue.
Source 1: Ethiopia: Capitalizing on Traditional Knowledge
This article was of interest to me because it refers to the role that traditional knowledge has played in Ethiopia and the growing attention it is receiving. The article describes how knowledge in this area has received growing attention from pharmaceutical and agricultural companies- which has also become an issue with the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Source 2: Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainability
In the readings from this module, a few references were made to UNESCO’s recognition of traditional knowledge. This link not only provides a description of the significance and objectives states should consider developing, but also offers teaching activities to develop understanding.
Source 3: What is traditional knowledge?
This page was of interest to me because not only does it compare the role of elders to libraries, but it also talks about the different roles that men, women and children play in developing knowledge and how this links to science. For instance, women are the primary collectors of plants, seeds and medicines, so they are “the keepers” of certain knowledge regarding biodiversity.
Source 4: Global Justice Ecology Project
I think this site could be a really helpful resource. This group works in partnership with groups around the world to support self-determination through developing climate justice.
Source 5: Toward an Understanding of Ecology of Indigenous Education
This article appealed to me because it is by an indigenous author who talks about the challenges of incorporating traditional knowledge, specifically with regard to ecology. What I also appreciated about this article is the author’s accounts of her childhood experience regarding spiritual ecology and how this is linked to ceremony. Some insights into her experience offer a glimpse into a culture that I have very little experience with.