Friday, February 15, 2008

Buckskin Encampment: Want to join?

How about the concept of a "Buckskin Encampment"? This ideology would allow for multiple learning styles, all within the autochthonous milieu, and also would foster the idea sharing among many, as well as knowledge in return for becoming a part of the community. This is where we need to go as natives involved in education, learning, science and community. All peoples need to learn how to connect with the world around them. For the most part, those who have maintained as indigenous as possible still teach and live this way, from what I've seen and heard. I am using this as a counterpoint to the "Ivory Tower" syndrome prevalent in western education. It is changing, but institutions change glacially. As far as where you come from, it could be a wigwam, igloo or even a cave. I think the concept really depends on the place you are at, and then further defined by the group of people. If someone acquires the first and most basic understandings of native thought, the rest should be guided in a good way. As we know, the west does not want to wait to gain understanding, they want it right gosh-darned-to-heck right now. Understanding takes time and observation as well as patience. Native traits would better serve the world!

No comments: