Personal Responsibility to Take Action
Alcorn (1993) states: "Until we recognize the authority of indigenous
peoples as equals at the discussion table, we cannot join in partnerships
with them." If they don't join in, we lose their gift of Traditional
Knowledge. We must break down the barriers - and ask others to do the
same. We ask that Traditional Knowledge not be labeled as anecdotal. We
are dismayed at how frequently it is. Rejecting or discrediting
Traditional Knowledge is wrong and does not serve society. Those who
reject or discredit Traditional Knowledge because of treaty rights or
other legal disputes must stop and consider those issues separately. We
must not let these actions take away from us the dignity and benefits of
Traditional Knowledge. We all must gain the understanding of those who
don't accept the fact that sustainable economies depend on sustained
environments. Nabhan (1995) states: "Unless we can further engage a
diversity of people in the conservation of biodiversity, the epitaph of
our movement will read: cause of death: an uncommon strain of reductionism
complicated by an attack of elitism, even though there were ready cures."
Progress is Being Made
The Canadian Northwest Territories (NWT) government recognizes that
Traditional Knowledge is a valid and essential source of information about
the natural environment, natural resources and uses, and the relationship
of people to the land and to each other (Davis 1993). Their Government is
using Traditional Knowledge in their decisions and actions. Many tribes
are showing the way. The Menominee Forest Management Program earned a
Sustainable Development Award from the US Vice President's Council on
Sustainable Development (Landis 1992). The Minneapolis Area Waterfowl
Management Task Force's Circle of Flight program (BIA 1996) continues to
be a national tribal model for wetland conservation. The United Nations
Earth Summit - Agenda 21 Program of action (United Nations 1993) Principle
number one is: "Human beings are at the center of concerns for
sustainable development . . . they are entitled to a healthy and
productive life in harmony with nature." The action plan also
contains: 1) "Indigenous people have developed over many generations
of holistic traditional scientific knowledge of their lands, natural
resources, and environment; and 2) ". . . indigenous people and their
communities shall enjoy the full measure of human rights and fundamental
freedoms without hindrance or discrimination." The Arctic
Environmental Protection Strategy (Eight National Governments 1991) was
developed to protect the arctic flora and fauna. It states that both "scientific"
and Traditional Knowledge have been pointing to the danger signals of
environmental damage. It recognizes that Traditional Knowledge has value
and credibility, and that there are benefits to sharing this information.
It further recommends creation of forums and other ways to share and use
Traditional Knowledge and encourages Co-Management partnerships between
indigenous people and others. Brelsford and McFarland (1996) describe
successful Co-Management and Traditional Knowledge partnerships between
indigenous people and governments. World bank policy is now to protect
indigenous people from harm of development projects (Davis 1993).
Government leaders in Alaska are committing to use of Traditional
Knowledge and collaborating with indigenous people. The Federal
Subsistence Board in Alaska seeks and uses Traditional Knowledge in it's
decision making. The Forest Service Alaska Region established a Core Group
for applying Traditional Knowledge to management of National Forests
(Janik 1996). The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (1996)
established protocols for including indigenous people's knowledge into the
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill restoration process.
Conclusions
Traditional Knowledge is valid and necessary. It contains comprehensive,
detailed, insightful, proven wisdom about species, ecosystems, and
sustaining human respect for the environment. We must not reject or
marginalize it or it's keepers. Currently they are threatened. Government
entities should move swiftly to incorporate Traditional Knowledge into
their decision making and collaborative stewardship. It will strengthen
government and society. We find no compelling argument otherwise.
Traditional Knowledge and its keepers can be two of the most influential
future conservation forces this world will have. Let's don't leave the
future without them.