Indigenous Technology Knowledge Systems

There has been a growing interest in indigenous knowledge systems and research. This interest has been mainly triggered by the need to decolonize education as a response to the colonial onslaught on indigenous knowledge and people. Research has, however, concentrated on the generality of the indigenous knowledge system rather than on its related dimensions. One area that has suffered a lack of attention is indigenous conceptions of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) despite the unquestionable evidence of STEM in indigenous contexts. Most STEM is presented by colonial establishments and representations, especially in developed/modern/urban contexts, which portray STEM as a colonial construct. This book focuses on indigenous technological knowledge systems education (ITKSE). Indigenous people have been at the front of technological developments from pre-colonial times. The list of precolonial industries, science, and technology is extensive, including blacksmithing, wood-carving, textile-weaving and dyeing, leather works, beadworks, pottery making, architecture, agricultural breeding, metal-working, salt production, gold-smithing, copper-smithing, leather-crafting, soap-making, bronze-casting, canoe-building, brewing, glass-making, and agriculture, for example. In some parts of the world such as Africa and Australia, these technologies still exist. ITKSE should not be left to exist outside of the technology education curriculum and classroom as it can benefit both indigenous students, who have been denied learning about what is relevant to them, and non-indigenous students. These cultural groups can expand their knowledge of technology by learning both ITKSE and Western technological knowledge systems education (WTKSE). ITKSE also presents opportunities for technology teachers to reflect on and revisit their depth of technological knowledge, pedagogies, and assessment. The intent of this book is transformational in the sense that it brings decolonial and indigenous perspectives into the technology education context. It extends technology education in the sense that it will not only influence Western-minded architects, artisans, designers, etc. but encourage indigenous-mindedness as well.

Bringing together researchers from geographically, culturally, and linguistically diverse regions, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Research Methodologies offers practical guidance and lessons learned from research projects in and with Indigenous communities around the world. With an aim to examine issues of power, representation, participation, and accountability in studies involving Indigenous populations, the contributors reflect on their own experiences conducting collaborative research in distinct yet related fields. The book is anchored by specific themes: exploring decolonizing methodological paradigms, honoring Indigenous knowledge systems, and growing interdisciplinary collaboration toward Indigenous self-determination. This volume makes a significant contribution to Indigenous community as well as institutional scholarly and practical discussions by emphasizing guidance and questions from Indigenous scholars who are designing studies and conducting research that is moving the field of Indigenous research methodologies forward. Discussing challenges and ideas regarding research ethics, data co-ownership, data sovereignty, and dissemination strategies, this text is a vital resource for all students interested in the application of what can be gained from Indigenous research methods.

Working with Indigenous Knowledge: A guide for researchers

This volume contains a selection of papers written for two conferences: "Changing values and attitudes of agricultural research and extension towards indigenous agricultural knowledge systems" in Amsterdam, 1988 and "Indigenous knowledge systems: implications for agriculture and international knowledge systems" in Washington, 1988

Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) are a combination of knowledge systems encompassing technology; social, economic, and philosophical learning; or educational, legal, and governance systems. The lack of documentation of these systems presents a problem as the knowledge is fading away over time. In response, it is essential that policies and strategies are undertaken to ensure that these systems are protected and sustained for generations to come. The Handbook of Research on Protecting and Managing Global Indigenous Knowledge Systems is a comprehensive reference source that works to preserve indigenous knowledge systems through research. Focusing on key concepts such as tools of indigenous knowledge management and African indigenous symbols, the book preserves and promotes indigenous knowledge through research and fills the void staff and students within the field of indigenous knowledge systems face with the current lack of research and resources. This book is ideal for university students, lecturers, researchers, academicians, policymakers, historians, sociologists, and anyone interested in the field of indigenous knowledge systems.

Monograph on traditional knowhow and information dissemination systems used by indigenous peoples and their potential role in rural development - presents case studies in the agricultural sector, discusses research methods for the study of ethnoscience, ethnolinguistics, etc. Bibliography pp. 409 to 443 and diagrams.

The potential of indigenous knowledge is being recognized for international development. This book argues that local people do know their environment, and that this knowledge has to be taken into account in planning and implementing accessible and effective development.