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Indigenous Knowledge(s) in the Community
What is Indigenous Knowledge(s)?
These words 鈥淚ndigenous Knowledge(s)鈥� are referred to in many discourses; however, there are few conversations that engage this question. There is a misconception that Indigenous knowledge(s) only live within the colonial borders of the reservations assigned to Indigenous peoples by the Settler governments. For many Indigenous peoples, our cultural knowledge is implicit in how we know, how we think, how we see, how we act, and how we listen. This question about Indigenous knowledge(s) guides a deep examination of what that means in community, as well as in the academy.
This webinar with Mike Segwalise Myers of the Seneca Nation, which is a part of the Iroquois/Haudenosaunee Confederacy, will delve into some historical aspects of Indigenous knowledge(s) and its evolution within a colonial state. Elder/knowledge keeper Mike will discuss how his Seneca/Haudenosaunee knowledge is at the center of community development projects he is currently involved in.
Join the Webinar
About Mike Segwalise Myers
Mike has been active in Indigenous affairs, issues and development efforts for more than 40 years, beginning with his participating in the occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969. His activism and commitment has brought him to work with and be of assistance to Indigenous nations, communities and organizations throughout North America and internationally.
As a community organizer and developer he has worked with numerous Indigenous nations, communities and organizations throughout North America, Hawaii, Nicaragua, and Mexico. From 1988-1990 he was the Program Director of 鈥淭he Seventh Generation Fund鈥� an Indigenous foundation and technical assistance organization. During his tenure the Fund developed a holistic community-based training program to assist local organizers and developers in conducting long term, culturally based planning, implementation and development.
In 1977, Mike was hired by the Institute for the Development of Indian Law in Washington, DC, as the coordinator of Indigenous delegations from North, Central and South America for the first Non-Governmental Organizations of the United Nations conference on 鈥淭he Issues of Discrimination Against the Indigenous Populations of the Americas鈥�. This work led to his being actively involved in the development of international rights and standards pertaining to Indigenous nations and peoples.
Mike has been active in Native philanthropic, community and economic development efforts for the past 30 years starting with his work as Program Director for the Seventh Generation Fund; working closely with Native and non-Native foundations; and internationally he has consulted with the World Council of Churches, Islamic Human Rights Commission and Heifer International.
He is a published author beginning with 鈥淎 Basic Call To Consciousness鈥�, Akwesasne Notes, 1977, 鈥淭raditional Teachings鈥� North American Indian Traveling College,1980, and 鈥淭he Power Within People鈥� Tribal Sovereignty Associates, 1986, as well as numerous articles and papers for publications and conferences.
In 2010 he received the Harvard Kennedy School Asher Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation 鈥淏right Ideas鈥� Award for his work in strengthening Indigenous government.
Mike resides with his wife, Birdie Lyons, and their four sons at the Leech Lake Territory of the Ojibwe Nation.