USFWS
Learning and experiencing TEK is not for a novice. Reading literature about TEK and speaking with professionals can help one determine if a project can benefit from TEK. Similarly, experienced professionals can help identify appropriate project personnel.
In addition, even though one's intent in learning TEK may be altruistic, the ways the information is used can have unintended consequences. A cultural anthropologist will have experience with ethnology and/or TEK and will be able to provide insight.
A number of books and publications examine TEK and its strengths in relation to Western science and evolutionary philosophy. Some of these books address the scientific basis of TEK, focusing on different concepts of communities and connections among living entities, the importance of understanding the meaning of relatedness in both spiritual and biological creation, and a careful comparison with evolutionary ecology. They may examine the themes and principles informing this knowledge, and offer a look at the complexities of conducting research from an indigenous perspective.
Several pages and their sub-pages on this site provide additional information. Click on the following links to navigate to these pages:
When TEK is combined with western science and decisions are being considered for taking care of the environment, think about the long-term impacts of these decisions beyond addressing the most pressing issue. New methodologies or technologies can have unintended consequences. Case studies are a way of learning to think beyond the anticipated result to the sometimes unintended consequences.
Webinar: Traditional Ecological Knowledge Issues and Partnerships
California Landscape Conservation Cooperative
Recorded: August 21, 2017
California Landscape Conservation Cooperative
Recorded: August 21, 2017
Importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Adaptation Planning
National Adaptation Forum
Recorded: May 9-11, 2017
To learn about the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in climate adaptation planning, the quarterly National Adaptation Forum Webinar prepared this webinar: https://vimeo.com/160270508 The presenters are: Margaret Hiza Redsteer, US Geological Survey; Preston Hardison, Policy analyst, Tulalip Natural Resources; and Kyle Powys Whyte, Timnick Chair in the Humanities, Michigan State University.
National Adaptation Forum
Recorded: May 9-11, 2017
What is Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)? Relevance and meaning to the National Park Service and greater landscape scale management of natural and cultural resources (webinar)
Chuck Striplen, PhD – Environmental Scientist, San Francisco Estuary Institute, Aquatic Science Center
Chuck Striplen, PhD – Environmental Scientist, San Francisco Estuary Institute, Aquatic Science Center
An Overview of TEK and Two Case Studies
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The online class is about 2 1/2 hours long and has three presentations, including those of Dr. Daniel Wildcat, Dr. Sarah Rinkevich and Jeanne Spaur.
The American Indian Oral History Manual: Making Many Voices Heard
By: Charles E. Trimble, Barbara W. Sommer, and Mary Kay Quinlan
Left Coast Press
2008
https://www.routledge.com/The-American-Indian-Oral-History-Manual-Making-Many-Voices-Heard/Trimble-Quinlan-Sommer/p/book/9781598741483
By: Charles E. Trimble, Barbara W. Sommer, and Mary Kay Quinlan
Left Coast Press
2008
https://www.routledge.com/The-American-Indian-Oral-History-Manual-Making-Many-Voices-Heard/Trimble-Quinlan-Sommer/p/book/9781598741483
Last updated: July 10, 2023