Braiding, weaving, and plaiting indigenous and western sciences

Abstract

This chapter undertakes a cross-disciplinary review of the benefits of braiding, weaving, and plaiting Indigenous and Western scientific approaches, advocating for more holistic, culturally informed, and sustainable solutions to the complex challenges faced globally. This review highlights an increasing recognition of the benefits of combining Indigenous and Western scientific paradigms. By encouraging collaboration between these knowledge systems, we advocate for the creation of more holistic, culturally informed, and sustainable solutions to the complex challenges faced by societies worldwide. The prospects and challenges of integrating Indigenous science with Western science are explored through two cultural heritage case studies undertaken by Indigenous researchers. The first case study focuses on the Sumi Nagas of Zunheboto district, Nagaland, India, where traditional weather and climate predictors are assessed for their alignment with Western scientific knowledge. This analysis highlights the potential of Indigenous science to enhance agricultural productivity and combat food scarcity. The second case study examines the Anga people of Papua New Guinea, revealing how their agricultural practices and natural resource management are intertwined with ecological understandings and spiritual values related to land and environment. The chapter introduces the concept of “Indigenous Geography”—termed IndiGeo by Collethy K. Jaru—proposing it as a framework for environmental management that honors both cultural heritage and ecological wisdom. Taken together, these studies underscore the value and potential of braiding Indigenous and Western sciences to generate more holistic, culturally grounded, and sustainable solutions to the complex challenges we face on a global scale.