Incorporating

Indigenous
Knowledge into
Biology
ECUR 320 Microteaching
Samantha Haines
The Problem:
• Many people have the idea that Indigenous Knowledge is very subject
specific and that it has limited application in the sciences.
• Science is “black and white” and not easy to make changes to
• The standard account of science excludes Indigenous science from the
classroom primarily because they claim it does not have “experimental
base, is not theory driven, and can’t be used to predict future events.”
(Cobern & Loving, 2001)
But…
• “Numerous scientific and technological innovations and wisdom
practices” (Cajete,1999) are found in Indigenous Knowledge that aren’t
being included
What needs to change??
As teachers:
• Need to find a way to include vital Indigenous knowledges into sciences,
in this case, biology
– “Indigenous science is fully integrated into the whole of life and being, which
means that it cannot be separated into discrete disciplinary departments.”
(Snively & Williams, 2016)

• Keep if interesting and engaging for students

What do students want?
I did my research:
• More control over their work
More
control
Computers • Computer work
• Not just writing
Less writing

My Solution!
The Solution: Research Project
• Students will choose an
item/object/idea in Biology that
originates from Indigenous people
Examples:
• Required to research and then • Anesthetics
explain how the item/object/idea • Pain killers
was originally used by Indigenous • Other medicines
people and compare it to how it • Agriculture
is used now • Weather Protection (Inuit
– Changes made? Snow Goggles, Parkas)
– Still the same?
– Different uses?
• Students given various options on how to present their findings
– Oral presentation, poster, brochure, paper (for those who still like the classic
writing), etc.

• Only requirement for each presentation method is making sure the criteria
given by the teacher is met in some way
Quinine
In the past:
It is a component of the bark from
the Chinchona tree that was
stripped by the First Nation’s people
and used to treat nerve pain and
general aches and pains
Now:
Most commonly used to treat
Malaria
Artificially synthesized in the lab
Treats leg cramps, arthritis, and
other ailments as well
Now I would take this information,
plus more research, and create
something to present my findings
Why would this work?
• Incorporates Indigenous Knowledge – students may not have realized how
much comes from Indigenous People
• Research practice- prep for University
• Appeals to various learning methods
• Can use any strand of communication to present research
• Students have more control in their assignments
• Based on something students like to do in their education
• Meets Saskatchewan Curriculum Outcomes and Indicators
References
• http://www.alcoholprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/8-Year-
old-Cinchona-Trees-Congo.jpg
• Cajete, G. A. (1999). Igniting the sparkle: An Indigenous science education
model. Skyand, NC: Kivaki Press.
• Cobern, W. W., & Loving, C. C. (2001). Defining ‘science’ in a multicultural
world: Implications for science education. Science Education, 85(1) 50-67.
Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/1098-237X(200101)85:1<50::AID-
SCE5>3.0.CO;2-G
• Snively, G. & Williams, W.L. (2016) Knowing Home: Braiding Indigenous
Science with Western Science. Victoria: University of Victoria.