If Indigenous Peoples Stand with the Sciences, Will Scientists Stand with Us?

Theoretical essay

In this essay, Megan Bang, Ananda Marin, & Douglas Medin challenge the prevailing perspective of "science" as being equated to Western science and as being a value-neutral or objective entity. The authors argue for engaging with multiple scientific perspectives, particularly Indigenous sciences. They are not calling for the inclusion of Indigenous science or "traditional ecological knowledge" within western science but for heterogeneity of sciences.

Values of relationship, reciprocity and responsibility are shown as foundational aspects of Indigenous sciences, and the objectivity and value-free or neutral nature of Western science is challenged.

In this article, the authors make a case for Indigenous sciences having a critical role to play in creating a just and sustainable future. They challenge the presumed objectivity and value-free nature of Western science, and assert that change will require non-Indigenous scientists and institutions to engage heterogeneous sciences. They call for plurality rather than inclusion.

Empirical examples

The authors offer seven tenets as a framework for scientists engaging in relational epistemologies.

"Engaging heterogeneous sciences– specifically Indigenous sciences–can expand our collective knowledge and are critical if sciences (in their plurality) are to become champions of the common good and adequately respond to contemporary problems" (p. 147)

"Indigenous sciences presume that knowledge carries ethical obligations and responsibilities. Relationality matters: it shapes who is doing the explaining, how they are explaining, to whom they are explaining, why they are trying to explain, and the impacts such explanations may have" (p. 156)

Science
Environmental Science