Indigenous Knowledge and the Academy

CIES Special Interest Group (SIG)

 Rationale: To transform the "Academy“ Through Alternative Ways of Knowing and Doing.

The overarching rationale for this Special Interest Group (SIG)—Indigenous Knowledge and the Academy—is to establish a forum whose long term goal is to transform the academy and to engage its members and members of CIES through discussions that promote the study of  alternative educational thought at institutions of higher education in the USA and internationally. By transformation, we mean the sort of change that (1) alters the culture of an institution by changing underlying assumptions and overt institutional behaviors, processes, and structures; (2) is deep and pervasive, affecting the whole institution; (3) is intentional, and (4) occurs over time.

 There is a need to explore this area of interest in order to connect theory and practices. The CIES journal has not in recent years devoted significant space to exploring alternate educational thought, indigenous knowledges, or non-western epistemologies and how they impact formal, informal and non-formal education, educators and other academic enterprises. Yet there is a growing desire among CIES members to explore these issues. At the 2004 CIES conference, there were about 15 sessions and panels devoted to this subject, clearly reflective of a trend. At the 2005 Stanford conference a panel on IK attracted over 50 attendees. The establishment of SIG will enable these interested individuals to form a forum and venue for bringing together members wishing to study emerging trends, share experiences and concrete approaches to address some of the salient issues. 

Purpose:

This SIG will allow CIES members, members of indigenous communities, and practitioners to dialogue about ways to develop alternative knowledges and how these knowledges interact with and transform the academy. At CIES annual meetings, the SIG will examine the implications of indigenous / alternative ways of knowing for transforming:

1.       the curriculum and instruction in the academy

2.       knowledge spheres and structures in the academy

3.       relationships between the academy and communities

4.       Higher education for the public good

 Scope:

This SIG will utilize four types of dialogue mechanisms, each of which will take advantage of CIES annual meetings where the following action and strategies are possible:

1.       Panels / Round table discussions

2.       Workshops

3.       Epics / Stories (To share experiences, practices and events) in an open forum

4.       Guest panels

5.       Networking, small action groups, and strategic planning sessions.

Uniqueness of the SIG and its Membership:

This SIG is unique to CIES and does not duplicate the goals and objectives of existing SIGs. Its approach fosters diversity and advocates for multiple ways of knowing that are consistent with the goals and rationale of this proposal.

 For additional information or Questions, contact:

Ladislaus M. Semali
Penn State University
257 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802.
Lms11@psu.edu