Unlock a BIK Degree: Gateway to Indigenous Wisdom

The Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledges (BIK) degree offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich world of Indigenous cultures and gain a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous studies, education, and knowledges. By enrolling in the BIK program, you embark on a transformative journey that not only equips you with valuable insights into Indigenous perspectives but also allows you to contribute to the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous knowledge systems.

The BIK program is specifically designed to embrace the diverse range of Indigenous cultures and their contributions to contemporary society. Through a well-rounded Indigenous curriculum, you will explore Indigenous traditions, histories, languages, arts, and ecological wisdom. This comprehensive approach prepares you to navigate the complexities of today’s world while honoring the Indigenous perspectives that have shaped it.

At the heart of the BIK program is a commitment to Indigenous education that respects and honors Indigenous ways of knowing. You will have the opportunity to learn from Indigenous scholars, elders, and community leaders, who will share their invaluable insights and teachings. By merging Indigenous knowledge systems with academic rigor, the BIK program offers a holistic and inclusive educational experience.

By obtaining a BIK degree, you not only acquire a valuable academic qualification but also become an advocate for Indigenous voices and perspectives. Your understanding of Indigenous studies and education will enable you to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities, create positive change, and contribute to the recognition and respect of Indigenous cultures on a global scale.

• The BIK degree offers a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous studies, education, and knowledges.
• The program embraces diverse Indigenous cultures and their contributions to contemporary society.
• Indigenous education is at the core of the BIK program, honoring Indigenous ways of knowing.
• A BIK degree prepares you to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities and advocate for Indigenous voices.
• By obtaining a BIK degree, you contribute to the recognition and respect of Indigenous cultures.

The Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science (CBIKS) is dedicated to conducting research in three critical and interconnected areas: climate change, cultural places, and food security. By recognizing the significant value of Indigenous knowledge systems, CBIKS strives to integrate these valuable perspectives with Western science.

CBIKS conducts community-based research, developed in direct collaboration with Indigenous communities to address their priorities and concerns. The research is carried out in full partnership with community members, ensuring Indigenous perspectives are central to the process.

Moreover, CBIKS places a strong emphasis on education. They actively involve Indigenous community members and students at various levels to train skilled leaders in the ethical braiding of Indigenous and Western sciences. By incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems into formal education, CBIKS empowers future generations to approach research and problem-solving with a holistic understanding that respects and integrates diverse perspectives. It is through this collaborative effort that CBIKS seeks to advance Indigenous studies and cultural studies on a broader scale.

Additionally, CBIKS recognizes the power of arts and storytelling as tools for communication and knowledge sharing. By utilizing these mediums, CBIKS effectively shares scientific research with the public, Indigenous communities, and diverse audiences. This approach enhances engagement, fosters understanding, and broadens the reach of Indigenous knowledge systems.

Through their interconnected and urgent research areas, CBIKS aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous knowledge systems and Western science. By valuing Indigenous perspectives, engaging in community-based research, and incorporating arts and storytelling, CBIKS is at the forefront of promoting Indigenous cultural studies and advancing our collective understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems.

CBIKS is committed to transforming research by braiding Indigenous and Western Science together. In line with this mission, the center operates through regional research hubs located in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Australia. These hubs serve as collaborative spaces that bring together Indigenous communities, scientists, and researchers to develop and carry out place-based transdisciplinary projects.

One of the core principles of these regional research hubs is a community-based approach, which ensures that the projects are driven by the needs and priorities of the Indigenous communities they serve. By integrating Indigenous education and curriculum frameworks, these projects provide a platform to explore Indigenous cultural studies and promote Indigenous knowledges programs.

The working groups within CBIKS play a crucial role in distilling key lessons from these projects. They analyze and synthesize the findings to produce methodologies and ethical guidelines that merge Western and Indigenous science throughout the research process.

To foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, CBIKS has developed a publicly available knowledge base. This knowledge base serves as a repository for methods, ethics, and best practices for connecting Western and Indigenous science. By making this information accessible, CBIKS aims to facilitate the integration of Indigenous perspectives and cultural studies into research and academia.

These regional research hubs not only facilitate the integration of Indigenous education and curriculum but also strengthen the engagement between Indigenous communities, researchers, and policymakers. By working collectively, these hubs strive to amplify Indigenous voices and ensure that Indigenous knowledges program are respected, valued, and central in research and decision-making processes.

CBIKS is dedicated to preparing the next generation of scientists and cultural and natural resource managers with the necessary skills to integrate Indigenous knowledge and science. Through various opportunities including undergraduate, graduate, and community research assistantships and internships at regional hubs and working groups, CBIKS provides hands-on experience in the braiding of Indigenous knowledge and science.

The education and knowledge exchange activities offered by CBIKS are designed to promote the learning and application of Indigenous studies, Indigenous education, Indigenous curriculum, and Indigenous cultural studies. These activities include:

1. Development of formal and informal science education materials.
2. Indigenous science STEM camps and after-school programs.
3. Trainings for museum and government agency staff utilizing Indigenous teaching methods.

CBIKS recognizes that enhancing the adaptive capacity of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) systems is crucial in the face of environmental change. By combining traditional Indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge, future leaders can contribute to sustainable solutions and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities.

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats

Indigenous education is more than just acquiring knowledge; it is about igniting a passion for learning and cultivating a deep appreciation for Indigenous cultures. By embracing Indigenous studies, Indigenous curriculum, and Indigenous cultural studies, students gain a holistic understanding of the world and develop skills that are essential for bridging cultural divides.

Through the training provided by CBIKS, the next generation will possess the tools to navigate the complexities of a diverse society and contribute to the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous knowledge systems. This will not only foster greater inclusivity and cultural appreciation but also create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

The above image depicts the diverse and interconnected nature of Indigenous studies. Just as the threads intertwine, so too does the knowledge and wisdom shared through Indigenous education.

The Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledges (BIK) degree and the Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science (CBIKS) provide invaluable gateways to unlocking the profound wisdom of Indigenous cultures. Through a harmonious integration of Indigenous knowledge systems with Western science, CBIKS tackles urgent and interconnected challenges like climate change, cultural preservation, and food security. By embracing research, education, and knowledge exchange activities, CBIKS nurtures the next generation of leaders capable of bridging the gap between Western and Indigenous ways of knowing.

Recognizing the value of Indigenous perspectives and cultural studies, CBIKS paves the way to navigate the intricacies and depth of Indigenous cultures. By fostering an inclusive approach to research and education, we can transform our perspectives on the world, forging a brighter and more inclusive future that respects and celebrates the wisdom of Indigenous communities.

With Indigenous studies, Indigenous education, Indigenous curriculum, Indigenous perspectives, and Indigenous cultural studies at the core, CBIKS strives for a harmonious coexistence between Western science and Indigenous knowledge systems. By uniting these two domains, we can unlock new pathways of understanding, embrace diversity, and foster a world that cherishes the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous cultures.

• https://www.umass.edu/gateway/research/indigenous-knowledges
• https://www.uwa.edu.au/
• https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl/chapter/chapter-7/