Worldview violence and Non-Human People in (conservation) science

Abstract

Indigenous Knowledge Systems arise from place-based relationships with the world in concert with healthy ecosystems, which encompass Non-Human People. Assuming conservation science fundamentally reaches for the goal of healthy, functioning ecosystems, conservation from non-Indigenous and Indigenous perspectives may share similar purposes. However, if dominant western cultures engage with Indigenous ones toward shared conservation goals without critical use of decolonial thinking and challenging some of the basic tenants of western culture, violence against Indigenous Knowledge Systems may ensue. Drawing mainly from lessons in a Canadian context, I highlight several points to help avoid violence against Indigenous Knowledge Systems. These points challenge western scientists to think on the nature of knowledge, consider their own worldview and those of Indigenous Peoples, explore concepts of Ethical Space, consider science as a tool, challenge basic terminology, consider scales in thinking, delve into thought structures as tools, and center Indigenous Knowledges. We must all push towards the flourishing of all knowledge systems, including those of both human and Non-Human People, to face biodiversity and climate crisis and to shift some fundamental assumptions of dominant Western Knowledge Systems.

Keywords

• conservation science
• indigenous knowledge
• indigenous knowledge systems
• indigenous science
• non-human people
• ontology
• worldviews