Toward more ethical engagements between Western and Indigenous sciences
Sharon Stein,
Cash Ahenakew,
Will Valley,
Pasang Y. Sherpa,
Eva Crowson,
Tabitha Robin,
Wilson Mendes,
Steve Evans
Affiliations
Sharon Stein
Department of Educational Studies, University of British Columbia, Ponderosa Commons North (Oak House), 6445 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
Cash Ahenakew
Department of Educational Studies, University of British Columbia, Ponderosa Commons North (Oak House), 6445 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
Will Valley
Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
Pasang Y. Sherpa
Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies, University of British Columbia, Buchanan E266, 1866 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
Eva Crowson
Department of Educational Studies, University of British Columbia, Ponderosa Commons North (Oak House), 6445 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
Tabitha Robin
Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
Wilson Mendes
Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
Steve Evans
Department of Educational Studies, University of British Columbia, Ponderosa Commons North (Oak House), 6445 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
There is growing interest among Western-trained scientists in engaging with Indigenous sciences. This interest has arisen in response to social pressures to reckon with the colonial foundations of Western science and decentre Western ways of knowing, as well as recognition of the need to draw upon the gifts of multiple knowledge systems to address today's many complex social and ecological challenges. However, colonial patterns and power relations are often reproduced at the interface between Western and Indigenous sciences, including the reproduction of epistemic Eurocentrism and extractive modes of relationship between settlers and Indigenous Peoples. This paper seeks to support Western-trained scientists to recognize and interrupt these patterns in order to create the conditions for more ethical, respectful, and reciprocal engagements with Indigenous sciences. We also offer a map of the different ways that Western sciences have thus far engaged Indigenous sciences. We particularly highlight the emergent possibilities offered by a reparative approach to engagement that emphasizes the responsibility of Western science to enact material and relational repair for historical and ongoing harm, including by supporting Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty in science and beyond.
