Indigenous Insights: Insects as Teachers

Service Description

So much of our interactions with the environment have to do with our relationships and our perspectives of the beings within the environment. In Western culture insects are often seen as a nuisance but to the Anishinaabe we see these beings as teachers and ones that deserve just as much respect and reciprocity as other beings. We will discuss the Anishinaabe relationship with insects and try to shift our perspective of these beings and the plants they pollinate. Join me for an enlightening exploration of how altering our perspective can lead to a profound shift in our relationship with nature, influencing positive changes in our interactions with the environment. Great for any science student, environmental advocate, or environmental professional to learn. A message from our guest speaker Nimkii Brad Howie, MES, BSc, who is a proud member of Nipissing First Nation, Education manager and owner of Manoomin Learning, and a professor at Niagara College Canada: Aanii Kina Weya ‘Hello Everyone’

 When I was in school for biochemistry and environmental science, I only ever heard science from one perspective, the Western one. I also only ever experienced education from one perspective, the Western one. As an Anishinaabe I have come to learn my people’s way of interacting with the world and coming to understand nature, and how we teach about it. We don’t see the environment as different systems that interact only in certain ways, we see it as one system, the Earth system. We see the grand interconnection of all beings, both biotic and abiotic. Not only does western science and ways of knowing deserve a spot in our education system but so does Indigenous STEM and ways of knowing.