Indigenous Science and Spirituality (Cajete, Native Science, 2000) 1. Essence of Indigenous Spirituality Belief in the sanctity of personal and community relationships to the natural world Spirituality is found in stories, art, and ways of relating in community Creativity i.e., Indigenous spirituality sees creativity as ubiquitous in nature and human creativity as part of that larger creativity in nature. Nature is seen as a dynamic, ever-flowing river of creativity. (p. 15)
Some Principles of Native Science and Spirituality 2. Some Principles of Native Science and Spirituality Engagement and Receptivity Respectful and Caring Relationship to “The Land” “Animism” Everything in nature, even things like rocks that western science regards as inanimate, is active and has its own energy and its own unique intelligence and creative process. Harmonious Relationships Intersubjectivity Participation.
3. Indigenous Creation Myths Tend to emphasize human participation with the creative forces of the universe Involve a natural “democracy” (equality) whereby humans are not privileged as dominant over other beings. Often involve humans moving through stages (evolution / journey Humans are often seen as co-creators, but no more important than other co- creators Often involve the trickster (e.g., raven or coyote) or the cultural hero, who are intelligent, possesses supernatural powers, and are often 2-sided Often involve rather fluid lines between humans and other animals, as each could transform into the other.
4. Vehicles for Transmitting / Accessing Indigenous Scientific Knowledge a)Ceremonies b)Vision quests c)Myths and Stories
5. Indigenous Art: General Introduction The Indig artist selects the features that are the essence and vitality of the phenomenon being portrayed, and expresses those features in the chosen medium. Thus, the “aliveness” of the artefact, rather than its beauty, is the primary aesthetic criterion. has a ceremonial dimension that is sacred and transforms the artist “at the very core of his being” (p. 46.) Thus, the process of making the art is much more important than the product. Apprenticeship is the primary means for learning a particular art form.
The “Essential Cosmological Clash” 6. The “Essential Cosmological Clash” What is Cosmology? - deep-rooted understandings of “human-ness” and our place in the universe. What is “The Essential Cosmological Clash” ? between: egalitarian Indigenous worldviews that regard all things as having rights, and the hierarchical western notion that humans have a special place in the universe that gives us rights (dominion) over and above other parts of Creation. Dysfunctionality & Crisis of W. CosmologyDysfunctionality & Crisis of W. Cosmology