Braiding knowledge: how Indigenous expertise and western science are converging

What Happened

Researchers are weaving Native practices with western methods to revive ecosystems and reclaim food sovereignty. Marco Hatch, a marine ecologist at Western Washington University and an enrolled member of the Samish Indian Nation, has been conducting surveys of mollusks growing in and around clam gardens in the Pacific Northwest, collaborating with seven Indigenous communities to rebuild these ancestral rock-walled, terraced beaches.

Why It Matters

This collaboration highlights the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches to address environmental challenges. By reviving these clam gardens, the project not only aims to restore ecosystems but also to empower Indigenous communities in reclaiming their food sovereignty and cultural practices.

The Bigger Picture

The convergence of Indigenous knowledge and Western science represents a growing recognition of the value of diverse perspectives in environmental management. This approach could lead to more sustainable practices and better outcomes in ecosystem restoration, particularly in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss.