Week 11- Indigenous Epistemologies

         The physical v.s the metaphysical in science, what is acceptable and what is not? Indigenous people of North America have been immersing themselves in the world to understand it and gain knowledge from it. Yet, standard European science discounts and ignores indigenous research. In the chapter, we read from "Epistemology and Research: Centring Tribal Knowledge," Indigenous Methodologies: Characteristics, Conversations, and Contexts.” we as readers were exposed to insights and  Indigenous epistemologies that complement our already accepted form of research. However, due to the spiritual and metaphysical nature of these indigenous research methods, standard western science rejects the information gathered by these scientists. 

Since this reading was so packed with ideas and new perspectives, I'll limit my analysis of the reading to only three subjects. The three subjects that stood out to me most are epistemological frameworks, language, and differing perspectives due to religion. Epistemology is the study of what defines an opinion from a fact. When it comes to cultures, many different cultures have varying definitions of fact. These type of differences were discussed in the essay this week and how it relates to western science and its biases. Since I was raised in the U.S and went to public school, I was taught that science was quantifiable and measurable. I also learned that all sources of information had to come from published and accredited sources. However, the Cree culture, one of the many native cultures in the U.S, conducts research differently. Since they use their dreams as a viable resource, they are able to use them as sources in their research. I find this evidence completely valid since much underlying information is revealed in a spiritual way. However, much Christian-based science refuses this evidence due to their own biases they refuse to acknowledge. 

Another aspect of how our beliefs differ is based upon our language and slight nuances that affect our outlook on life. As the suther describes in the essay, the Cree language is mostly comprised of words that are current action words. I am not familiar with the Cree language but the author related it to “ing” words in English. This to me spoke volumes about how Cree culture focuses on present actions and how it impacts all around them. I think this also relates to how the Cree considers all aspects of an action and how it affects others around them, including the earth. Another thing that stuck with me is the several words in Cree that mean many types of spiritual places. In the final part of the essay, the email she received from Michael Hart, he describes a place he cannot translate to English. As someone who was raised non-Christian in the U.S, I've always found it hard to describe my unnamed beliefs. I think it's beautiful that other cultures embrace more places beyond just heaven and hell. 

Lastly, I wanted to discuss the impact on Christianity and how it affects the opinions of many. Something I've noticed about traditional Christians is that they seem very uncomfortable at any sign of a varying belief. This topic in the essay was brought to me when the author described how Cree research coincidences with Euro-western research yet they still don't accept it. This reminded me of the story of Nikola Tesla, an amazing scientist, and inventor. Towards the end of his life, he credited many of his accomplishments to a spiritual and otherworldly being. As soon as Tesla revealed his science was aided in research provided from the metaphysical, support for him declined immensely and he lived the rest of his life as a hermit. Cree cultures, however, embrace this unique resource and how it aids in new discoveries.

One artwork that embodies many of the topics we discussed is “State Names” by Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. This artwork shows how the state borders seem to melt together into one unified place. Also, all the names shown are originally native American words that were used as state names. For a country built upon native people, the masses seem to want to forget and discount their beliefs and especially their research in science.

“State Names” by Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Sources:

 

Margaret Kovach, "Epistemology and Research: Centring Tribal Knowledge," Indigenous Methodologies: Characteristics, Conversations, and Contexts (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2009).

Smith, Jaune Quick-To-See. "State Names." Smithsonian American Art Museum. Accessed November 05, 2021. https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/state-names-73858.