International Polar Year 2007-2008
To facilitate the submission of arctic social science and humanities proposals to the International Council for Science (ICSU) for prospective endorsement as IPY projects, IASSA has launched an initiative to create a vigorous exchange of ideas, discussion, and active communication. The following was submitted to IASSA on its form at IASSA IPY Facilitation Initiative:

Ray Barnhardt and Oscar Kawagley: Circumpolar Center for Learning and Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Personnel and Collaborating Institutions:
Project Director: Ray Barnhardt, Ph.D., University of Alaska Fairbanks, <ffrjb@uaf.edu>
Project Co-PI: Oscar Kawagley, Ph.D., University of Alaska Fairbanks, <rfok@uaf.edu>

Lead Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks, Center for Cross-Cultural Studies

Potential Partner Institutions:
University of British Columbia (Canada)
Inerisaavik (University of Greenland)
Saami Allaskuvla (Saami College, Scandanavia)
University of Norway (Institute of Pedagogical Research)
Moscow State Pedagogical University (Russia)
University of Saskatchewan (Canada)
First Nations University of Canada (Canada)
Hokkaido University of Education (Japan)
Alaska Native Science Commission (Alaska)

Abstract:
We propose to establish an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural Center for Learning and Indigenous Knowledge Systems, to be housed at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and operated in collaboration with an international consortium of indigenous-serving institutions and affiliated programs. The proposed Center integrates the tools and approaches of the natural and social sciences in a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary framework for analysis to better understand the emerging dynamic between indigenous knowledge systems, western epistemologies and learning. We intend to emphasize the study and application of these academic fields as they are reflected in indigenous contexts on an international scale, with opportunities for collaboration throughout the circumpolar north and beyond. We propose an interdisciplinary research and graduate study program that will prepare a new generation of Ph.D.’s by providing support for graduate students and scholars from participating institutions who can integrate indigenous perspectives in developing a deeper understanding of indigenous knowledge systems as they relate to principles of learning, and the application of that understanding to contemporary issues. It will also draw and build upon current initiatives that seek to integrate indigenous knowledge and western science disciplines in a framework associated with the study of complex adaptive systems.

Intellectual merit:
The initiatives to be incorporated in this proposal will advance our understanding of learning as it occurs in diverse cultural contexts by exploring the interface between indigenous and western knowledge systems, drawing on the experiences of indigenous peoples from around the circumpolar world. The organizations and personnel to be associated with this proposal have been active scholars in their respective jurisdictions in developing the emerging theoretical and evidentiary underpinnings on which the proposed initiatives will be based.

Broader impact:
The expansion of the knowledge base associated with learning and indigenous knowledge systems will contribute to an emerging international body of scholarly work regarding the critical role that strategic utilization of the local cultural context can play in fostering academic success in learning, particularly among indigenous populations. The international orientation of the proposed Center will provide multiple synergistic benefits derived from the economies of scale associated with linking numerous small-scale populations, as well as increased generalizabiltiy of outcomes associated with the extensive opportunities for cross-cultural comparison.


Sincere thanks to the U.S. National Science Foundation for support for the IASSA IPY facilitation initiative.

Questions? Contact Anne Sudkamp at <fyiassa@uaf.edu>.

[Home page] [Contact IASSA] [About IASSA] [Membership] [Ethical Principles]
[International Polar Year] [ICASS Meetings] [ICASS VI] [IASSA.Net]
[IASSA Newsletters] [IASSA Publications] [Links of interest]

 This page was last modified October 24, 2005 by Anne Sudkamp