Traditional Ecological Knowledge Section
Ecological Society of America
The mission of the ESA TEK section:
1) to promote the understanding, dissemination and respectful use of traditional ecological knowledge in ecological research, application and education;
2) to encourage education in traditional ecological knowledge;
3) to stimulate research which incorporates the traditional knowledge and participation of indigenous people;
4) to increase participation by indigenous people in the Ecological Society of America;
5) to foster understanding of indigenous and local knowledge in relationship to place; and
6) to facilitate communication among people with diverse ways of knowing, both within ESA and between ESA and other communities.
Working definition of TEK: "adaptive ecological knowledge developed through an intimate reciprocal relationship between a group of people and a particular place over time."
The TEK section activities (and TEK-related sessions) at the 2009 ESA meetings in Albuquerque:
Sense of Place: Honoring the Ecological Knowledge of New Mexico Indigenous Communities. Monday, August 3: 10:30 - 11:15 AM
Symposium: Ecological Knowledge and a Global Sustainable Society. Monday, August 3: 1:30 - 5 PM
WK 22 - Environmental Justice in Ecology Curricula and Community Engagement workshop. Tuesday, August 4: 11:30 AM -1:15 PM
Field Trip: Jemez Pueblo (to observe ceremonial corn dances by Jemez Pueblo members). Sunday, August 2: 9AM - Early evening
Field Trip: Ecology in Agriculture of Pueblo and Acequia communities. Sunday, August 2: 8 AM - 6 PM
Field Trip: Songs Sustaining Seeds - Santo Domingo Pueblo, Harvest Dance. August 4: 7:30 AM - 4 PM
Announcement:
As a result of a long-range planning grant award, the TEK section will be able to offer awards related to activity at this year's ESA meeting. Applications due June 1, 2009. For more information, see here.
