YCMS 619 - Indigenous Perspectives on Knowledge

Description

If members of the MCLL community were Indigenous People, we would all share a very different view of where knowledge comes from, who/what generates and validates it, and what role elders play. This study group will explore all too rarely examined assumptions of a Eurocentric culture and its dogma concerning what constitutes knowledge and truth. We will compare them with the more explicit cultural assumptions of Indigenous societies where elders are cherished knowledge keepers and validators. We will examine the implications of experiencing nature more directly and in a less mediated manner and how this elevates Mother Earth to the status of Master Teacher. These comparisons will shed light on Indigenous-mainstream cultural and historical conflicts and point to a path forward combining world views. We will delve into some western philosophy and religion and read selections from First Nations and Native American thought leaders in order to better understand who we are and who we might become as a life-long learning community.

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