The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More
Image credit: “Ojibwe Giizhig Anung Masinaaigan - Ojibwe Sky Star Map”, a Native Skywatchers star map created by A. Lee, W. Wilson, C. Gawboy, ©2012
Image credit: The Ojibwe sky star map, also known as the 'Ojibwe giizhig anung masinaaigan' is a Native Skywatchers map created by A. Lee, W. Wilson, C. Gawboy (image courtesy of A. Lee, W. Wilson and C. Gawboy)
Image credit: “Makoċe Wiċaŋḣpi Wowapi - D(L)akota Star Map”, a Native Skywatchers star map created by A. Lee, J. Rock, ©2012
For millennia, humans have stared into the night sky and wondered...The Ininew (Cree) of Mikinahk Ministik (Turtle Island) hold sacred the many Tellings and Teachings in the various constellations in Ininew Cosmology reveal....The first thing we should be aware of is that every culture on Nikawiy Aski has an intellectual capacity, a distinctive depth of knowledge, a philosophy and world view parallel to and as valid as any scientific theory and philosophy put forward by the most learning-edge thinkers to date.
—Pawaminikititicikiw (the Dream Keeper) AKA Wilfred Buck, Kitchikisik (Great Sky) Tellings that fill the Night Sky, illustrated by Mistawais Buck. Indigenous Education Press, 2021.
The University of Manitoba Libraries recognizes that our catalogue and resource descriptions contain language that reflects the biases, norms, and perspectives of the time in which they were created. In particular, for resources about persons and groups, this language is often outdated and harmful. These descriptions also incorporate controlled vocabularies, such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings, which include some headings that are offensive or inappropriate. We use international standards for description, but support and actively participate in efforts to update and change these practices as we strive for descriptions that are inclusive, respectful, and do not cause harm. We acknowledge the critical importance of community consultation in these efforts, and as residents on Treaty 1 territory on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation, we commit to working together with our local communities to make these changes.
If you encounter language in the University of Manitoba Libraries' catalogue records or other resource descriptions that you find offensive or harmful, or if you have questions about this statement or our work, we welcome your feedback via acqdaf@umanitoba.ca. We are committed to reviewing and adding to catalogue records and other resource descriptions as appropriate, where we can.
If at any time you feel the need to speak with someone, a national crisis line is available for Residential School Survivors and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-866-925-4419. In addition, the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Student Centre has a dedicated Student Counsellor. You can book a session by contacting the Indigenous Student Centre at (204)474-8850 or emailing isc@umanitoba.ca.
Finding materials related to Indigenous science can be challenging due to inconsistencies in the language used to catalogue library resources. Terms such as "Indigenous," "Aboriginal," and "First Nations," as well as outdated colonial language are used and applied to literature originating from various historical and cultural contexts.
Consequently, it is important to apply a range of terms when searching to gain an understanding of how using these search terms produces different results. Below are some search terms related to Indigenous education. Click on any of the examples under Subject headings and search terms to see a list of results in the catalogue.
To Be a Water Protector by
Winona LaDuke is a leader in cultural-based sustainable development strategies, renewable energy, sustainable food systems and Indigenous rights. Her new book, To Be a Water Protector: Rise of the Wiindigoo Slayers, is an expansive, provocative engagement with issues that have been central to her many years of activism. LaDuke honours Mother Earth and her teachings while detailing global, Indigenous-led opposition to the enslavement and exploitation of the land and water. She discusses several elements of a New Green Economy and outlines the lessons we can take from activists outside the US and Canada. In her unique way of storytelling, Winona LaDuke is inspiring, always a teacher and an utterly fearless activist, writer and speaker.
Blackfoot Physics by
One summer in the 1980s, theoretical physicist F. David Peat went to a Blackfoot Sun Dance ceremony. Having spent all of his life steeped in and influenced by linear Western science, he was entranced by the Native American worldview and, through dialogue circles between scientists and native elders, he began to explore it in greater depth. Blackfoot Physics is the account of his discoveries. In an edifying synthesis of anthropology, history, metaphysics, cosmology, and quantum theory, Peat compares the medicines, the myths, the languagesthe entire perceptions of reality of the Western and indigenous peoples. What becomes apparent is the amazing resemblance between indigenous teachings and some of the insights that are emerging from modern science, a congruence that is as enlightening about the physical universe as it is about the circular evolution of humanity's understanding. Through Peat's insightful observations, he extends our understanding of ourselves, our understanding of the universe, and how the two intersect in a meaningful vision of human life in relation to a greater reality.
Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Change Assessment and Adaptation by
Chapters, written by indigenous peoples, scientists and development experts, provide insight into how diverse societies observe and adapt to changing environments. A broad range of case studies illustrate how these societies, building upon traditional knowledge handed down through generations, are already developing their own solutions for dealing with a rapidly changing climate and how this might be useful on a global scale. Of interest to policy-makers, social and natural scientists, and indigenous peoples and experts, this book provides an indispensable reference for those interested in climate science, policy and adaptation.
Contact Justin Fuhr or another Science Librarian with any questions or for help with library services.
Anisinaabe from Lake St. Martin
Assistant Professor and Indigenous Scholar
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Research: Water quality and food security relating to livelihoods and sustenance challenges in the twenty-first century for First Nations.
Anisinaabe from Ontario
Assistant Professor and Indigenous Scholar
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture & Food Sciences
Research: Entomology; beneficial insect ecology in agro-ecosystems and the greater landscape.
Otipemisiwak -- Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 6
Assistant Professor and Indigenous Scholar
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science
Research: Microbial ecology, especially plant-fungal interactions in wetlands; mycology, comparative plant anatomy (paleobotany).
Aboriginal
Assistant Professor
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science
Research: Theoretical sub-atomic and nuclear physics.
Montubio from Ecuador
Assistant Professor and Indigenous Scholar
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science
Research: environmental microbiomes in different impacted aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; water quality and microbial source tracking; changes in microbial community as direct discharges from wastewater treatment plants or concentrated animal feeding operations; antibiotic resistance genes.
The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
Credit: the Indigenous science library guide was co-authored by Shirley Delorme Russell and Justin Fuhr.
