Reflections of Native Lands - Ryan M.

The lands that are currently owned by various Native American groups is much less than it used to be, though some positive progress is being made in the amount of control these Native groups have over what they still possess. I feel that these positive processes were the key take away of the readings on this topic. These positive process are focused around the establishment and procedures of tribal EPAs utilizing cultural sciences. Cultural science is the traditional field of knowledge known by and employed by the native peoples of the area. This can best be seen in the amount of familiarity the Natives have with the area and how to help balance its ecology. The idea of cultural science itself is interesting as, at first, it seems opposed to the idea of conventional science. This is because cultural science is often wrapped in the frame of Native religious and cultural beliefs. While the religious and cultural practices/beliefs of all peoples should be respected, initially they do not seem very 'scientific'. The presence of these elements does not nullify cultural sciences however, it merely distinguishes them, in fact many western scientists ascribe their own discoveries as God's creation. At the end, the knowledge in both examples is objectively correct. Cultural science employs objectively correct facts, and the Natives very obviously know what it is they are saying. As a result it shows that cultural science is just another frame through which to view knowledge. Like 'conventional' science it simply wants to employ what is known in order to use processes in order to best help the community. Neither form of science invalidates each other, they are merely different perspectives looking at the same objective facts. 

But why is it important that Native EPAs employ cultural sciences if they come to similar understandings that more 'conventional' ecology can come too? It is important because using these methods re-affirms the Native's rights to their own lands and cultural practices. After decades of loss, it re-affirms their agency. Everyone has their own way of doing things and the Natives have a right to employ their own methods. They are the people most familiar with the land after all.