Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Decolonizing Environmental Education

Decolonial educators are looking for ways to teach Indigenous knowledge systems in an ethical and respectful manner. Applying Indigenous knowledge systems to environmental education can strengthen cultures, promote environmental protection, including sustainable local economies, and support students through healing and decolonizing processes. In this study, the researchers examine how decolonial educators, who are not Indigenous to the communities where they work and reside, can facilitate lessons on Indigenous knowledge systems in a manner that honours Indigenous knowledge systems and knowledge holders, is ethical, respectful, and not appropriating. 

A course has been designed with the following learning outcomes: explore the ways in which Indigenous knowledge systems have been adapted to meet contemporary imperatives by Indigenous peoples around the world; begin to see Indigenous knowledge systems as unique bodies of knowledge; understand the living and open-ended nature of Indigenous knowledge systems; understand the rights of Indigenous peoples to their knowledge and heritage; understand Indigenous peoples’ resilience, resurgence and revitalization; gain an appreciation for Indigenous and decolonizing research in conservation and education; and consider the ethical dimensions of working with Indigenous peoples surrounding intellectual property rights and appropriation. 

The reseachers come to understand that Indigenous knowledge systems and Western knowledge systems are distinct ways of knowing. Engaging with decolonizing factors in environmental education programs is crucial, particularly for educators that are not Indigenous to the communities in which they reside and work. The following factors are identified as being foundational to the decolonization process in education: centering programs in Indigenous philosophies of education; privileging Indigenous voices and engaging Elders as experts; promoting Etuaptmumk/two-eyed seeing; and employing Indigenous ways of teaching and learning.