Today’s modern knowledge system hasn’t yet become a truly civilized one. This is because it often fails to give space to knowledge rooted in local experiences and tailored to the realities faced by local communities. One of the knowledge systems still marginalized by modern frameworks is the Indigenous Knowledge System.
The Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS), often called “Traditional Knowledge” or “Traditional Ecological Knowledge,” is a rich collection of observations, memories, oral and written knowledge, innovations, practices, and indigenous beliefs. It supports sustainable efforts and responsible management of cultural and natural resources by fostering a deep connection between humans and their environment. This type of knowledge applies to all aspects of life, from biology and the physical world to social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions.
There are countless examples of indigenous knowledge, such as eco-friendly farming techniques, sustainable food production, forest management, hunting methods, fishing techniques, traditional rituals, and healing practices, to name a few. These practices are built on generations of shared memory and close interaction with the natural world. Indigenous knowledge is passed down through many forms—written texts, oral stories, legends, rituals, chants, proverbs, poetry, songs, and more.
Unlike modern knowledge, which often brings in ideas and solutions that feel disconnected from the surrounding reality, indigenous knowledge teaches practical skills that align with the real challenges and needs of the local environment. That’s why there’s a popular saying: “With modern knowledge, you learn how to leave, as your mind and body grow distant from your surroundings. But with indigenous knowledge, you learn how to return, reconnecting your mind and body to the living space you come from.”
Indigenous knowledge is inseparable from the people who carry and preserve it—Indigenous Communities, along with their elders and ancestors. These communities have been developing and practicing Indigenous Knowledge Systems for hundreds, even thousands, of years. Their knowledge is built through direct interaction with their surroundings, long-term experience, detailed observation, and hands-on learning.
As modern people, it’s time we give our utmost appreciation and respect to the elders and ancestors who have preserved and passed down this extraordinary knowledge system. It’s a legacy that connects us to nature, culture, and a sustainable way of living.