Traditional Ecological Knowledge in ActionDates: August 1 - 9, 2008 Cost: $1550 Course listing: Native American Studies 395: Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Action (2 semester credits) GENERAL COURSE PLAN:The snow-capped mountains and crystal-blue rivers of the Flathead Reservation in Northwest Montana serve as the setting for our hands-on exploration of traditional Native American perspectives and knowledge. Through field-based activities, discussions with tribal elders and personal exploration, students will come away with a heightened understanding of the vital cultural perspectives and practices of modern American Indians, which provide powerful models for conservation, restoration and sustainability efforts. This course combines frontcountry meetings with elders, community members and land managers with a backpacking trip in a remote, rugged area of the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness. The course begins in the frontcountry of the Flathead Reservation, where introductory readings will focus on philosophical and historical background. Discussions range from introductory Native American studies topics to the basic ecology of the Flathead River basin. During this introduction, we will also be striving to garner an initial sense of place. The body of the course will focus on an introduction to Salish and Kootenai traditional knowledge and practices. Students will attend a variety of talks by tribal members, which range from sittings with tribal elders on ecological and spiritual perspectives to presentations by tribal officials on the significance of traditional values and practices as they relate to current tribal conservation efforts. During the course, students will be required to reflect on these issues and their experiences through journal writing. Students will also experience traditional knowledge in-practice through various interactive lessons, such as hide-tanning and ethnobotany. In addition, presentations by immersion school committee members will explore efforts to strengthen and preserve the language, customs and perspectives of their people in a rapidly changing world. Readings will become increasingly more complex and critical, and will explore epistemological as well as practical angles of tribal efforts nation-wide to integrate their traditional knowledge into environmental policy and other arenas of Western thought and government. During this time, the group will stay at a front country campsite on McDonald Lake, with the potential for attending a variety of cultural events. The final section involves a backpacking excursion where students will be given an opportunity to disseminate what they have learned through class discussions, field exercises, student presentations, and continued journal writing. Field exercises will provide opportunities for the comparison of “traditional” and “Western” perspectives of the natural world, as well as further opportunities to reflect upon previous lessons and insights. The course concludes with a return to the frontcountry, final presentations and a community dinner (featuring traditional Salish foods and more brief presentations by community members). ENROLLMENT & DEADLINE:The number of students will be limited to ten (10). Our courses are multidisciplinary and our students come for all majors. There are no academic prerequisites for any of our courses. The best background is a sense of curiosity, a willingness to take responsibility for your academic growth, a love of adventure. No prior backcountry experience is necessary, but you will have more fun if you arrive in good physical condition. Early applications will be accepted through March 20, 2008; applications are currently being reviewed on a space available basis. First half of tuition payment will be due three weeks after acceptance. Remaining tuition will be due by July 1, 2008. COST:$1550 per student includes tuition; dinner food; group camping and cooking gear; maps and field guides. Students will be expected to provide their own breakfast and lunch meals, and to buy the course text that is provided by WRFI. An additional $135 filing fee is required to receive academic credit for the course from the University of Montana. INSTRUCTORS: |
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