Listening Deeply to Indigenous People: A Collaborative Perspective and Reflection Between a Mapuche Machi and...

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Knowledge
• Western ecological sciences
• Social-ecological change

Background:

• Global environmental crises necessitate integrating Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with Western ecological sciences.
• Partnerships face challenges including power imbalances, distrust, and historical injustices.
• Meaningful engagement requires understanding diverse perspectives and objectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore meaningful engagement between Indigenous Peoples and Western ecological sciences.
• To document environmental issues and social-ecological change from joint Mapuche and scientific perspectives.
• To reflect on collaboration processes and foster trust in knowledge partnerships.

Main Methods:

• A scientific workshop in Conguillío National Park, Chile, facilitated dialogue between ecologists and Mapuche elders.
• Interweaving Mapuche lived experiences and scientific evidence to document local environmental concerns.
• Applying the Two-Eyed Seeing approach to foster collaborative understanding.

Main Results:

• Industrial developments, including non-native tree plantations and a proposed hydroelectric plant, threaten local biodiversity and the Mapuche way of life.
• Collaboration revealed that integrating Indigenous voices and scientific evidence deepens understanding of social-ecological change.
• The process highlighted opportunities for building trust and relationships between knowledge holders.

Conclusions:

• Meaningful engagement requires time, preparation, and advocating for systemic change in ecological sciences.
• Indigenous representation and knowledge are crucial for addressing environmental crises effectively.
• Continued listening, engagement, and advocacy are essential for equitable knowledge partnerships.