Generations of Knowledge Indigenous Sciences & Conventional Science Evaluation

The five member Center for World Indigenous Studies panel of experts is conducting an evaluation of the Generations of Knowledge traveling exhibit project Stakeholder’s collaboration. This year-long, formative evaluation focuses on the convergence or divergence of Indigenous ecological sciences and conventional ecological sciences between stakeholders’ involved in the development of the traveling exhibit to ensure the successful development of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry Generations of Knowledge exhibit responsive to 11-14 year old cross-cultural viewers.Generations of Knowledge: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Environmental Science, is a project under development by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The stakeholders developing the Generations of Knowledge exhibit include:? Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (Portland, OR.) ? Indigenous Education Institute (IEI) (Friday Harbor, WA)? Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) (Washington, D.C.)? Tamástslikt Cultural Institute (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation)? Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve (Tulalip Tribes) (Tulalip, WA)? Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Artisan Resources (RTCAR) Initiative (Cherokee, NC)? Native Hawaiians, Fish pond restoration projects (Honolulu, HI)The 2,000 square foot Generations of Knowledge traveling exhibit, banner exhibit, website, and youth activity kit will focus on stories of collaboration between Native American tribes and scientists who are using traditional ecological knowledge and western science to solve local environmental issues. The project aims to bring awareness to visitors that both Native American traditional ecological knowledge and western science are valuable and relevant to society and offer complementary ways of understanding the natural world. The target audience includes Native American and non?Native American youth aged 11 to 14 and their families.Dr. Rudolph Ryser is the Principal Investigator and Dr. Leslie E. Korn is the Co-Principal for he Center for World Indigenous Studies evaluation study. Research Associates Heidi Bruce, and Dina Gilio-Whitaker and Dr. Ku Kahakalau make up the support research panel.