On 8 May, ASI hosted its SDG Academy about integrating indigenous perspectives into research. This online event was moderated by Lisa Ausic (PhD Researcher & Lecturer of Social and Cultural Anthropology, VU), who emphasised the growing recognition of indigenous knowledge in climate change discussions and the need for ethical collaboration with indigenous communities in research settings.
The first speaker was Myra Colis (Founding Chairperson, MABIKAs Foundation-The Netherlands). At the beginning of her talk, Myra highlighted three major areas of relevance: the definition of research, the indigenous perspective, and the integration process. She emphasised the dangers of conventional research that often centres on individualism, extraction, and institutional interests, and called for a paradigm shift towards community needs and relational understandings. She also pointed out that indigenous knowledge should not merely be added as an afterthought but integrated as a transformative element that encourages reciprocity between researchers and the communities involved.
Moné Vasquez (PhD Candidate, VU School of Business and Economics) expanded on the need for indigenous voices in research and academia, particularly in discussions that connect sustainability and the rights of indigenous peoples. They underscored the intrinsic relationship between indigenous communities and their respective territories, arguing that these relationships should guide developmental projects in a more ethical and just manner. They also discussed how western institutions often overlook the complex realities of indigenous life and the importance of nurturing local voices in discussions about their own futures.
During the discussion, the speakers highlighted the tendency for research conducted within Western frameworks to become extractive, prioritising institutional needs over community benefits. They also stressed that indigenous knowledge is not just complementary to Western knowledge systems, but a more interconnected worldview emphasising sustainability and communal responsibility. Both speakers emphasised that reciprocity should not be treated as optional but as a fundamental principle guiding all research efforts involving indigenous communities.
Highlights
- Holistic understanding: Moving beyond viewing indigenous perspectives as mere additions, recognising them as transformative methodologies.
- Ethical collaboration: The importance of redeeming the ethics of research through reciprocal engagement with indigenous communities.
- Community needs: Research topics must align with community-defined priorities rather than conforming to institutional or funder interests.
- Active dialogue: The need for active dialogue between indigenous and non-indigenous institutions to foster genuine understanding and respect.
- Cosmology & nature: Highlighting the rich cosmological and spiritual relationships indigenous communities maintain with nature, which differ significantly from Western scientific perspectives.
- Intersectional learning: There is potential for contradictions between indigenous knowledge and Western science to create opportunities for learning and dialogue rather than conflict.
- Reciprocity as foundational: Fair compensation, mutual respect, and shared ownership over data and outcomes.
We want to thank the moderator, the speakers and everyone who attended the event for their contributions.
Watch the full recording here.