According to AIHEC research, integrating indigenous knowledge into science curriculum helps American Indian students succeed. The education of future American Indian scientists requires an educational context that supports the traditions, knowledge and languages of their communities as the starting place for learning new ideas and knowledge, Mitchell says.
Dr. Daniel Wildcat, a member of the Muscogee tribe and director of the Haskell Environmental Research Studies Center, says that offering a course integrating indigenous knowledge lets students know they don’t have to leave their cultures at the door when pursuing careers or study in STEM disciplines.
Far too often mainstream scientists come into Indian Country with their own research agendas without consulting American Indians, notes Wildcat.
“With programs like the Tribal College Climate Change Course,” he says, “we are working to grow our own scientists and researchers to help ensure native people have a seat at the table when governments are discussing policies to address climate change.”
-Mary Annette Pember
