M̓ṇúxvʔit model for centering Indigenous knowledge and governance

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Indigenous Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• Indigenous knowledge and governance systems are increasingly recognized for their role in addressing social and ecological crises.
• Western approaches often incorporate Indigenous knowledge without proper leadership or consent, leading to harm and extractive practices.
• There is significant potential for respectful collaborations that integrate diverse knowledge systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the M̓ṇúxvʔit model as a framework for respectful, cross-knowledge system collaborations.
• To center Indigenous governance systems as the foundation for such collaborations.
• To provide a model that avoids harm and extractive practices, ensuring benefits for Indigenous communities.

Main Methods:

• The M̓ṇúxvʔit model centers Indigenous governance, knowledge systems, and local protocols.
• Collaborations prioritize Indigenous leadership, transparency, and equitable benefit sharing.
• The model is demonstrated through individual, project, and community-level examples.

Main Results:

• The M̓ṇúxvʔit model facilitates authentic and transparent collaborations.
• It upholds Indigenous and local sovereignty, avoiding superficial or tokenistic engagement.
• The model has been successfully applied at various scales, from individual work to community-led resource management.

Conclusions:

• The M̓ṇúxvʔit model offers a locally developed, successful approach for integrating Indigenous knowledge into broader collaborations.
• It serves as a contribution to discussions on how Western actors can engage constructively with Indigenous systems.
• This model promotes collaborations that add to, rather than extract from, Indigenous knowledge and governance systems.