Knowledge and Indigenous Societies

The theme knowledge and indigenous societies examines the distinctive knowledge systems developed by indigenous peoples, how they are produced and transmitted, and what happens when they meet other systems, especially the knowledge of dominant, often colonial, cultures.

What indigenous knowledge is

Indigenous knowledge refers to understanding developed by communities with long, deep relationships to particular places and passed down across generations. Its scope is often highly practical and integrated: knowledge of local ecosystems, plants and medicines, seasonal patterns, navigation, agriculture, and sustainable resource use, woven together with social, spiritual, and ethical understanding rather than separated into distinct academic disciplines. This holistic character is a defining fea