Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Learning from Indigenous Practices for Environmental Sustainability

Provides an overview of Native American philosophies, practices, and case studies and demonstrates how Traditional Ecological Knowledge provides insights into the sustainability movement.

Melissa K. Nelson (Edited by), Daniel Shilling (Edited by)

9781108450447, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 June 2021

290 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.8 cm, 0.449 kg

This book examines the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and how it can provide models for a time-tested form of sustainability needed in the world today. The essays, written by a team of scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, explore TEK through compelling cases of environmental sustainability from multiple tribal and geographic locations in North America and beyond. Addressing the philosophical issues concerning indigenous and ecological knowledge production and maintenance, they focus on how environmental values and ethics are applied to the uses of land.Grounded in an understanding of the profound relationship between biological and cultural diversity, this book defines, interrogates, and problematizes, the many definitions of traditional ecological knowledge and sustainability. It includes a holistic and broad disciplinary approach to sustainability, including language, art, and ceremony, as critical ways to maintain healthy human-environment relations.

Part I. Introduction to Key Concepts and Questions: 1. Introduction: the soul of sustainability Daniel Shilling
2. Native science and sustaining indigenous communities Gregory Cajete
3. Wingaashk Kenomagwen, 'the lessons of grass': restoring reciprocity with the good green earth Robin Wall Kimmerer
4. What do 'indigenous knowledges concepts' do for Indigenous peoples? Kyle Powys Whyte
Part II. Bedrock: Toward A Kincentric Ethic: 5. Indigenous sustainability: language, community wholeness, and solidarity Simon Ortiz
6. A single strand: the Nsyilxcin speaking people's Tmixw knowledge as a model for sustaining a life-force-place Jeannette Armstrong
7. Towards a philosophical understanding of TEK and ecofeminism Joan McGregor
8. Wolves and ravens, science and ethics: traditional ecological knowledge meets long-term ecological research Michael Paul Nelson and John A. Vucetich
Part III. Extended Web: Land Care Practices and Plant and Animal Relationships: 9. Redefining sustainability through kincentric ecology: reclaiming Indigenous lands, knowledge, and ethics Dennis Martinez
10. Indigenous food sovereignty in Canada Priscilla Settee
11. The radiant life with animals Linda Hogan
Part IV. Global and Legal Implications of Indigenous Sustainability: 12. Home: resistance, resilience and innovation in M?ori economies of well-being Rachel Wolfgramm, Chellie Spiller, Carla Houkamau and Manuke Henare
13. Indigenous peoples and 'cultural sustainability': the role of law and traditional knowledge Rebecca Tsosie
14. Conclusion: back in our tracks – embodying kinship as if the future mattered Melissa K. Nelson.

Subject Areas: Environmentalist, conservationist & Green organizations [RNB], The environment [RN], Historical geography [HBTP], History: specific events & topics [HBT], History [HB]