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Resilient Communities Lab

Sustainable Solutions for Climate Adaptation: Weaving Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) & STEAM


Solutions that aim to increase resilience often focus on technological fixes and economic metrics rather than on the social complexities of communities. The convergence of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and scientific knowledge (STEAM) is critical to achieving equitable, sustainable, and regionally appropriate mitigation and adaptation to climate change. We are building TEK-STEAM convergence by weaving together the knowledge of different STEAM disciplines and by recognizing and integrating the unique scientific value of Indigenous knowledge (IK) and ecological practices. The project aims to build a collaborative network between academic, community, and policy groups across Massachusetts to mainstream TEK-STEAM knowledge in identifying critical regional socio-ecological systems that must be addressed to improve equitable sustainability and adaptation outcomes for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.




Publications:

Kumasaka, Osamu, Robin Bronen, Elise Harrington, Janelle Knox-Hayes, Shirley Laska, Albert Naquin, Andy Patrick, Kristina Peterson, and Stanislaus Tom. 2021 "Planning for resettlement: Building partnerships for, by, and with Indigenous peoples." GeoJournal : 1-21. (link)