Alaska Native Knowledge Network
Resources for compiling and exchanging information related to Alaska Native knowledge systems and ways of knowing.

ANKN Home About ANKN ANKN Publications Academic Programs Curriculum Resources Calendar of Events ANKN Listserv and Announcements ANKN Site Index

You are here

Help with Search (new window)
Picture of Alaska Native Knowledge Network
Ignoring Native lore surely leads to poor results
from Alaska Native Knowledge Network - Monday, 13 June 2011, 11:13 am
 
Ignoring Native lore surely leads to poor results
COMPASS: Other points of view
By GEORGE AHMAOGAK SR.
Published in the Anchorage Daily News: June 12th, 2011 09:11 PM

Excerpt:

Most of the time, indigenous or traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge don't compete and conflict -- they complement each other. Our hunters and people get their knowledge by observing day-in and day-out how our environment works. Scientists also gather their knowledge by observation -- usually during an eight-week field season.

The goal is the same -- we all want to know the truth to better make decisions.

Our knowledge has credibility. Since Inupiat people have lived here in the Arctic for many centuries, our people have learned much about sea ice, snow, ocean currents, and the behavior of wildlife. Traditional knowledge of the physical environment is knowledge passed down between generations of Inupiat people -- elders, hunters, gatherers, and whaling captains. This body of knowledge increases through the experience of each and every North Slope resident whose life goes into working in and observing the environment.


Go to University of Alaska The University of Alaska Fairbanks is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, educational institution and provider is a part of the University of Alaska system. Learn more about UA's notice of nondiscriminitation.