Indigenous Knowledge Within a Global
Knowledge System
Mason Durie
Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
E-mail: m.h.durie@massey.ac.nz
Faced with globalizing forces that promote universal approaches to knowledge and
understanding, indigenous peoples have reacted by abandoning the old ways or
alternately seeking to re-discover ancient wisdoms as foundations for pathways to
the future. Increasingly, however, a third way has been to focus on the interface
between indigenous knowledge and other knowledge systems, such as science, to
generate new insights, built from two systems. The interface approach recognizes
the distinctiveness of different knowledge systems, but sees opportunities for
employing aspects of both so that dual benefits can be realized and indigenous
worldviews can be matched with contemporary realities.
Higher Education Policy (2005) 18, 301–312. doi:10.1057/palgrave.hep.8300092
Keywords: indigenous; knowledge; globalization; science; interface; research
Indigeneity
There are significant differences in the circumstances of indigenous peoples in
various parts of the world, manifest by varying degrees of dispossession,
different health and education experiences, and diverse political relationships
(Kunitz, 1994). However, although colonization and globalization have often
undermined indigenous culture and economies, global forces and electronic
communication have also provided greater opportunities for indigenous
communities to enter a worldwide scene and to engage with each other. In
that process, the commonalities between indigenous peoples have become more
apparent and can be discussed according to a range of perspectives. For
example, at least for legal purposes, five levels of argument that characterize
indigenous peoples have been proposed. First, a human rights and non-
discrimination argument recognizes that in some countries indigenous peoples
have not been accorded basic human rights and have been discriminated
against on racial or ethnic grounds. Second, a minority rights argument
proposes that minority groups require active protection by the state so that
their distinctive qualities and entitlements will not be marginalized by majority
opinion. Third, an argument based on a claim to self-determination is linked
to notions of a continuing right to exercise sovereignty, especially where
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the instruments of colonization have been suspect or non-existent. Fourth,
similar arguments have been applied where historical sovereignty has
never been ceded, while fifth, an increasing literature emphasizes that
indigenous peoples have rights that are based simply on being indigenous
(Kingsbury, 2002).
In defining indigenous peoples in 1949, the United Nations General
Assembly noted other characteristics:
Among the peoples of the earth, indigenous people constitute a
vulnerable group which has long been neglected. Their social structures
and lifestyles have suffered the repercussions of modern development.
They have been subject to growing pressure to bring their languages,
religions, knowledge, arts and oral traditions, and the other manifesta-
tions of their ways of life, into conformity with those of the majority
social groups around them. (Howitt et al., 1996, 70)
However, in 1949, the United Nation had misread indigenous aspirations.
Although conforming to a wider society was not irrelevant, the primary aim
of indigenous peoples was to regain indigenous values and language and
to exercise a degree of autonomy. Most indigenous peoples believe that
the fundamental starting point is a strong sense of unity with the environment
(Kame’eleihiwa, 1992, 23–25). Arising from the close and enduring relationship
with defined territories, land, and the natural world, and exemplified by
the pattern of Maori adaptation to Aotearoa (New Zealand), it is possible
Table 1 Characteristics of indigeneity
Features Key element
Primary characteristic:
An enduring relationship between populations, their
territories, and the natural environment
An ecological context for
human endeavours
Secondary characteristics (derived from the relationship with the
environment):
The relationship endures over centuries Time
The relationship is celebrated in custom and group inter-
action
Identity
The relationship gives rise to a system of knowledge,
distinctive methodologies, and an environmental ethic
Knowledge
The relationship facilitates balanced economic growth Sustainability
The relationship contributes to the evolution and use of a
unique language
Language
Mason Durie
Indigenous Knowledge, Global Knowledge
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Higher Education Policy 2005 18