Boundarywalkers: conceptualizing the dynamics of equitable science between Indigneous and Western knowledge
| dc.contributor.author | Johnson, Cheri Lynn | en |
| dc.contributor.committeechair | Allen, Barbara L. | en |
| dc.contributor.committeemember | Abbate, Janet E. | en |
| dc.contributor.committeemember | Patzig, Eileen Crist | en |
| dc.contributor.committeemember | Schmid, Sonja | en |
| dc.contributor.department | Science and Technology Studies | en |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-02-05T09:00:11Z | en |
| dc.date.available | 2025-02-05T09:00:11Z | en |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-02-04 | en |
| dc.description.abstract | Through interviews with Western educated scientists who also identify as Indigenous tribal members, this study seeks to understand how two knowledge systems, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Western Science Knowledge Systems (WSKS) can cogenerate knowledge. Interviewees for this study, as primary sources, contributed to the construction of a new concept, the boundarywalker framework, that conceptualizes the dynamics of equitable science between the knowledge systems through several key principles that promote inclusivity, mutual respect, and collaborative knowledge cogeneration. By bridging these distinct epistemic worlds, the boundarywalker framework facilitates equitable dialogue and challenges structural injustices that have historically marginalized Indigenous perspectives. This study addresses the challenges and possibilities of equitable knowledge cogeneration, where both knowledge systems contribute uniquely while retaining their distinct values. Through in-depth analysis of boundarywalker practices, the research highlights two foundational principles: epistemic pluralism, which fosters the coexistence and mutual enrichment of diverse worldviews, and epistemic revolution, which seeks to democratize the frameworks of knowledge production by centering marginalized voices and advancing reflexive justice. This involves a continuous re-evaluation of inclusivity, ensuring research methodologies and priorities are shaped by Indigenous perspectives. The boundarywalker framework offers a pathway toward an ethical, pluralistic, and reflexive science, where IKS and WSKS cogenerate knowledge as equal partners. Through epistemic pluralism and democratized framesetting, the boundarywalker framework envisions a science that honors diverse epistemologies, advances sustainable knowledge production, and strengthens the resilience of both scientific and Indigenous communities. | en |
| dc.description.abstractgeneral | This study explores how Indigenous scientists bridge Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Western Science (WS) to create a more inclusive, respectful, and balanced approach to knowledge. These boundarywalkers blend insights from both worlds, recognizing the strengths of each while challenging the dominance of Western scientific frameworks. The research highlights two main ideas: epistemic pluralism and epistemic revolution. Epistemic pluralism encourages valuing multiple perspectives, allowing Indigenous and Western approaches to coexist and complement one another. Epistemic revolution involves rethinking how knowledge is created, giving Indigenous voices a central role in shaping scientific research, priorities, and practices. Overall, the boundarywalker framework envisions a future where Indigenous and Western knowledge systems work together as equal partners, creating a richer, more just science that respects cultural diversity and strengthens communities. Through collaboration and mutual respect, this model fosters a science that honors the unique contributions of different ways of knowing and supports sustainable, community-centered solutions. | en |
| dc.description.degree | Doctor of Philosophy | en |
| dc.format.medium | ETD | en |
| dc.identifier.other | vt_gsexam:41835 | en |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10919/124494 | en |
| dc.language.iso | en | en |
| dc.publisher | Virginia Tech | en |
| dc.rights | In Copyright | en |
| dc.rights.uri | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ | en |
| dc.subject | Western Science | en |
| dc.subject | Indigenous Knowledge Systems | en |
| dc.subject | IKS | en |
| dc.subject | IK | en |
| dc.title | Boundarywalkers: conceptualizing the dynamics of equitable science between Indigneous and Western knowledge | en |
| dc.type | Dissertation | en |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Science and Technology Studies | en |
| thesis.degree.grantor | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | en |
| thesis.degree.level | doctoral | en |
| thesis.degree.name | Doctor of Philosophy | en |
Files
Original bundle
1 - 1 of 1