2022 LTER All Scientists' Meeting

The Seventh Generation Principle is based on the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) philosophy that decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven human generations into the future. This philosophy has two elements. First, it is rooted in Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), defined as knowledge and practices passed from generation to generation informed by strong cultural practices that include sensitivity to change and reciprocity. Second, it is based on values that transcend humankind. The US White House has prioritized Tribal co-management of public lands that incorporates TEK and partnerships with Tribal Nations in restoring public lands. This has created a tendency to “integrate” TEK into Western ecological thinking in a manner that can be construed as appropriation. Dr. Eisenberg will discuss how the Seventh Generation Principle can be applied to build effective and respectful allyships and partnerships between scientists within the LTER network and Tribal Nations in a manner that avoids appropriation or adulteration of local and cultural knowledge. She will demonstrate why partnerships that braid together best Western science and TEK are essential for humanity to find the solutions that will help create more resilient and sustainable ecosystems globally. She will also describe the important moral elements necessary for such partnerships to succeed and provide examples of effective allyship across cultures.