MODERN WAYS AND THE OLD SCIENCE
By Joseph D. Mitchell reprinted from "Winds of Change"

American Indians have always understood nature, nature's creations, the interrelationships between living creatures and how to coexist in a natural environment without destroying any part of the complex system. Historically, this knowledge was applied as a daily means of survival and became culturally inherent in the lives of tribal people. Application of this knowledge became inseparable with tribal cultures and customs.

American Indians mastered the ability to live with nature use it to their advantage, take what they needed, but not destroy nor use to excess. Principles of what we now know as "ecology" were practiced by Indians long before Europeans arrived. Indians were able to shape the environment to fit their needs without causing permanent destruction to the ecosystem.

Essentially, American Indians were the first ecologists. They managed the forests, prairies, wildlife, fisheries, and watersheds. They knew when areas were becoming over hunted, underbrush was becoming too thick, streams were becoming polluted, grass was being overgrazed and fisheries were being depleted. They knew how to renew the areas and restore the resources. They would move on and let nature perform its restorative powers.

Often times, they would give nature some assistance in performing management functions by using fire to improve pasture land and timber stands. They were careful not to overharvest to the point of nonrenewal and had the ability to adapt in the face of catastrophe. The ability to diversify in survival techniques was critical to tribal existence and contributed to the success of so many different tribes who occupied North America at one time.

Unfortunately, the knowledge and understanding of nature acquired by Native peoples throughout the centuries is fast disappearing. The introduction of western science and European educational systems has all but destroyed the "Old Ways." Indian children are no longer taught how to interact with and read natural systems. It is no longer necessary to depend wholly on nature for individual subsistence purposes, so the need to learn the place of humans in the natural environment is becoming less important to tribal youngsters.

Aboriginal science has almost always been ignored where managing the environment is concerned and we now live in a world filled with anxiety over environmental degradation. The truth is, American Indians knew nature. They considered themselves part of it and knew how to care for the environment. They managed the land using practices developed over centuries, but sadly, this inherent knowledge has never been recognized nor sought by modem land managers from land management agencies. The result is the imminent loss of this scientific knowledge. Unless we recognize the importance of and institute a revival of the "Old Ways," the world is in danger of losing a way of life that sustained a people for hundreds of years.

It is imperative that tribes emphasize the importance of teaching historic Indian methods of managing the environment. Methods used and perfected long before the European invasion of the Indian continent are in danger of being lost forever. Just as indigenous languages are quickly disappearing, so are cultural environmental management practices and those Elders that possess this knowledge. Indian families should ensure their children are taught aboriginal customs, practices, activities and cultural behavior that helped maintain the natural environment that is now in need of help.

It is also time that land management officials recognize that the practices of their predecessors, the original inhabitants, maintained the ability to practice methods that enabled them to exist for centuries without creating their own extinction. They have knowledge that could be valuable in correcting abuses afflicted on the environment within the last 200 years, Western science, together with aboriginal and cultural science, might create a combination which produces a few answers to today's environmental problems. It is certainly worth a try; after all, we have a lot to lose.

Joseph Mitchell, Creek Nation, is a natural resource manager for the U.S. Forest Service in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Winds of Change - Summer 1997