Indigenous Perspectives on Ethnobiology

Session Chair: Raymond Pierotti

NOTE: This session will conclude with a discussion by Jane Mt. Pleasant from 10:10-10:30 a.m.

This session is co-sponsored by SoE and SEB

One of the most important aspects of research in Ethnobiology is investigating the scientific understanding and knowledge of indigenous peoples.  As SOE moves into the 21^st century it will build its reputation through outreach towards and inclusion of scholars who represent Indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions.  This symposium represents both of these goals through having Indigenous scholars present their ideas to the society as part of its annual meeting.  The papers presented in this symposium include ‘Wolf Man' and Wolf Knowledge in Native American Hunting Traditions by Nimachia Hernandez, a scholar of Blackfoot and Anishinaabe heritage who examines the scientific content of traditional stories. Lois Stevens, an Oneida graduate student, will present upon her research into Traditional agricultural practices in a contemporary context.  Scott Herron will present on Anishinaabek Revitalization of Ethnomycology, from Keewaydinoquay’s 1998 Puhpohwee for the People to the Present, What has Emerged from the Ground? Raymond Pierotti, the only faculty member in the US to hold a joint appointment in Indigenous nations Studies and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, will present Scale and Social Complexity: Knowledge Systems and Effective Conservation, which addresses why Indigenous knowledge traditions may be superior at the local level, because operating at smaller (local) scales creates increased knowledge of species dynamics leading to more effective conservation tactics. Jane Mt. Pleasant, a Tuscarora scholar who has been an active member of SOE for an extensive time, will provide an overview summary that places the papers presented in the overall context of Ethnobiological scholarly traditions.