Indigenous Science and Community-Led Education Take Centre Stage at TribalFutures 3.0

Professor Gregory Cajete, a Tewa Indigenous educator and Professor Emeritus at the University of New Mexico, discussed Indigenous knowledge systems, science education and community-led learning during Day 7 of TribalFutures 3.0, organised by the Tribal Design Forum.

The session was hosted by Dr Ashish Xaxa.

Indigenous Knowledge in Modern Education

Drawing on more than five decades of experience, Cajete explained how Indigenous science combines ecological observation, storytelling, art, community participation and relationships with the natural world.

He presented examples of culturally responsive education developed at the Institute of American Indian Arts, where students learned scientific concepts alongside Indigenous stories and creative practices.

Rethinking Universities and Community Knowledge

The discussion addressed the decolonisation of education, the contemporary creation of Indigenous knowledge and the relationship between universities and Indigenous communities.

Responding to questions about bringing academia closer to forests, elders and communities, Cajete called for reciprocal research partnerships and greater recognition of community knowledge.

He also encouraged teachers to develop culturally responsive curricula through direct engagement with Indigenous communities.

About TribalFutures 3.0

Launched in 2024, TribalFutures is a distinctive, month-long international initiative of the Tribal Design Forum dedicated to Tribal and Indigenous knowledge, design, art and contemporary imagination.

The festival provides a voluntary platform for Indigenous intellectuals, artists, researchers, designers and knowledge practitioners to share their work and envision community-led futures.

Session: Day 7, Evening Session
Speaker: Professor Gregory Cajete
Host: Dr Ashish Xaxa
Organiser: Tribal Design Forum
Website: www.tribaldesignforum.com