TEK Processes and Protocols

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Processes and Protocols

There is no step-by-step formula when it comes to engaging in the gathering or sharing of indigenous knowledge. This is because each tribal nation is different and has its own cultural protocols and individuals within a tribe may also have their own ways of how they engage and share. However, there are some general understandings that can help guide researchers and practitioners who are interested in engaging in efforts inclusive of TEK:

● Relationship building

o This should come before projects begin

o Can take time and needs to include in-person meetings/events

o Should be mutually beneficial and respectful

● Shared agreements, responsibilities, and definitions

o E.g.. MOA, MOUs, IRBs* (university and tribal); if a tribe doesn’t have an official IRB review board, bring research forward to tribal council for review and approval

● Consistent engagement and inclusion throughout the project, from beginning to end

o E.g. workshops that include all of the parties, face-to-face meetings

o Relationships shouldn’t end just because the project ends

Prioritize respect, relationship, responsibility, and reciprocity (taken from Kirkness & Barnhardt 1991)

* Note: it’s not enough to simply satisfy university research requirements; the tribal community needs to be onboard and cultural protocols or tribal IRBs must also be navigated.

References and Further Reading:

Guidelines for Considering Traditional Knowledges (TKs) in Climate Change Initiatives https://climatetkw.wordpress.com

Kirkness, V. J., & Barnhardt, R. (1991). First Nations and higher education: The four R's—respect, relevance, reciprocity, responsibility. Journal of American Indian Education, 1-15.

Reo, N. J., Whyte, K. P., McGregor, D., Smith, M. (Peggy), & Jenkins, J. F. (2017). “Factors that support Indigenous involvement in multi-actor environmental stewardship.” AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 13(2), 58–68. https://doi.org/10.1177/1177180117701028

Reo, N. J. (2019). Inawendiwin and Relational Accountability in Anishnaabeg Studies: The Crux of the Biscuit. Journal of Ethnobiology, 39(1), 65-75.