Braiding Indigenous Knowledges
An introductory guide to fundamental Indigenous pedagogical practices, research, and resources including information on land-based education and Indigenous knowledge.
Native American and Indigenous Studies Librarian
Brandon Castle
he/him
Contact:
W.E.B. Du Bois Library
Office hours: Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm, Josephine White Eagle Cultural Center, 309 Goodell Hall
Office hours: Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm, Josephine White Eagle Cultural Center, 309 Goodell Hall
(413) 545-9633
NSF Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science staff
Welcome
Welcome to the Braiding Indigenous Knowledges LibGuide! In collaboration with the US National Science Foundation Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science (NSF CBIKS), this guide offers fundamental resources on Indigenous pedagogical practices to help get you started building Indigenous Knowledges (IK) and place-based education into your curriculum, research, and understanding in respectful and reciprocal ways. In this guide, you will find books, articles, and media curated by University Libraries and NSF CBIKS staff.
Upcoming Events
- February 12th, 2025 - Introduction to Indigenous Data SovereigntyLearn more about Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov), which expresses a legitimate right of Indigenous Peoples to control the access, the collection, ownership, application and governance of their own data or knowledge and/or information that derives from unique cultural histories, expressions, practices, and contexts. Attendees will be introduced to foundational concepts and theories of Data Sovereignty and to the global human rights agreements (such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) and broad and regional frameworks (such as the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance and the OCAP Principles) that support the foundations of IDSov. Attendees will reflect on what constitutes Indigenous Data, what research might be affected by IDSov principles, and the potential pathways for researchers and data stewards to work with and in support of Indigenous communities, Nations, and individuals to braid Indigenous knowledges and approaches to data practices and policies into data management throughout the research process.
- February 21st, 2025 - NSF CBIKS Indigenous Sciences Speaker Series: Dr. Gabriel SanchezThe U.S. National Science Foundation Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science (NSF CBIKS) invites you to the third speaker in the Indigenous Sciences Speaker Series: Dr. Gabe Sanchez. Gabriel Sanchez is an Indigenous Anthropologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Native American and Indigenous Studies at the University of Oregon (UO). Gabriel currently participates in collaborative and community-based participatory research projects with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County, and California State Parks, to investigate the native range of California’s endangered salmon species, which are vulnerable to extinction or extirpation. Collaborative research is a relatively niche but growing component of archaeological practice. While academic institutions and professional societies highlight the importance of Indigenous, collaborative, and decolonizing research strategies, opportunities to train students in these techniques are still generally lacking. This talk shares insights from a collaborative field school bringing together students and Tribal members from the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their Land Trust. Informed by cultural perspectives and priorities, participants learned archaeological field methods developed by the Tribe and archaeologists over the last decade to study and preserve Indigenous cultural heritage. In this talk, I consider how Indigenous-led efforts in central coastal California archaeology, focusing on site stewardship, access, research, and education, can broadly benefit field schools.
Join us in welcoming Dr. Sanchez to our community and enjoy an engaging presentation and Q&A.
- Center for Teaching & Learning, Contemplative Pedagogy Group gatheringsCTL supports UMass’ strategic interest in deep engagement with course concepts, student resiliency, stress management, inclusive teaching, and sense of belonging through regular contemplative pedagogy meetings during the academic year. Our group attracts educators and administrators from across the disciplines, including over 200 non-unique participants per year. All are welcome to attend. Meetings typically involve sharing teaching experiences and resources related to contemplative pedagogy and mindful education.
