Etuaptmumk : Two-Eyed Seeing
Integrating a balance of traditional aboriginal wisdom, and modern scientific knowledge into the mainstream education system.
The Institute for Integrative Science & Health (IISH) is an organization that was created in the early 2000s and works as a large integrative science research and outreach resource in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Integrated science combines multiple perspectives and cultures to expand our knowledge and have a more whole, balanced, and inclusive view of the world around us.
Two-Eyed Seeing symbol. See source
Etuaptmumk (Mi’kmaq word for Two Eyed Seeing), is a guiding principle of integrated science, that was introduced by Elder Albert Marshall in Autumn 2014. This method of learning uses multiple perspectives - through the integration of contemporary scientific views with traditional aboriginal knowledge. Traditional aboriginal knowledge is passed down by ancestors, being retold and taught through the many generations of these tight-knit communities.
Elder Albert, creator of Two Eyed Seeing. See source
Etuaptmumk - Two-Eyed Seeing is a way of thinking that brings together our different ways of knowing to motivate people, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, to use all the best knowledge so we can leave the earth a better place, and not comprise the opportunities for future generations through our actions.
Karli Zschögner interviewed Kieran from Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission, who knows Elder Albert Marshall. This is what she had to say on two-eyed seeing!
“Elder Albert Marshall really brought 'Two Eyed Seeing' to life. He’s an elder that a lot of people go to for advice for to be on advisory meetings or committees. He taught me a lot in terms about to 'Two-Eyed Seeing', and it really just really opened up everything and it just made so much sense to me and just leaving after talking to him, you just get you just feel a lot better. He's taught me about terms like ‘Netukulimk’.... is kind of our sustainability so it's it ‘Netukulimk’ really means yes, you can take stuff take, you know, the creator's bounty, but you can't jeopardize the natural world because of it. So it's a very, okay, yes, you can do things, but you can't let the natural world suffer because of it. So it's a very adaptive kind of term that that is just really kind of rooted in respect . You can't just take, take, take right you got to you have to make sure that you hold your actions accountable, that you respect the Earth that you respect the animals.” - Kieran Johnson (Eskasoni Fish & Wildlife Commission)
Learn more about two-eyed seeing and get more resources by visiting the Institute of Integrative Science and Health’s page on the topic!