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About  Our  Project

The aim of our African Indigenous Knowledge Project (AIK) is to understand environmental sustainability through an African Indigenous lens. Often the idea of Indigeneity in Africa is dismissed, the focus of this project is to shift the lens from the voices of colonial legacies and governments and center the discussion on sustainability practices of African Indigenous communities and traditional African knowledge. 

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The ways in which we intend to construct this project is through extensive literature reviews, examining sustainable practices across the Afro-descendant diaspora and determining whether these practices have been passed down, as well as, surveying community members, collecting anecdotal evidence of Afro-Canadians & Caribbeans about their heritage and its relation to sustainability. We will examine the ways in which different African Indigenous groups work to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and how their relationship to land translates into socio-political movements. 

Research Pillars

​Spirituality &

Sustainability

The focus of this pillar is to explore the deep-rooted spiritual bond that African Indigenous people have with the land and environment. We will delve into region-specific traditions, practices, and knowledge that contribute to sustainable interaction with the earth. This includes consulting with Gods and utilizing local signs as methods for predicting weather patterns or natural events. Our main objective is to emphasize the importance of discussing spiritual connections to the Earth and reclaiming that knowledge.

Agriculture &

Sustainability

When considering agricultural development in Africa, it's important to take into account how resilience is integrated into the adoption and adaptation of traditional methods. For instance, in Eastern Africa's wetlands, generations of Indigenous knowledge on grain cultivation have produced the most successful yields.

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However, the government has deemed their methods as environmentally damaging and inefficient, leading to interference. It's crucial to understand how political dynamics can influence or impact the progression and implementation of African Indigenous knowledge.

Community &

Sustainability

In African Indigenous communities, social resilience is a crucial element. This pillar examines the socio-political and economic challenges faced by these communities and how they navigate opposing forces through adaptation, place-making, and protest. The section sheds light on how these communities perceive their role in society, as well as the potential threats from state, colonial, and capitalistic influences that undermine their resilience.

Resiliency from

Disasters

The aim of this pillar is to investigate how local Indigenous communities cope with and adapt to climate disasters. Research will focus on community development and planning, education on risk reduction, and traditional as well as transitional Indigenous technologies. It's vital to consider issues such as forced migration, conflict vulnerability, and resource security consequences. Understanding how Indigenous communities adapt their knowledge and way of life is crucial in comprehending the modern application and transitional nature of Indigenous knowledge, especially in relation to climate and conflict.

Meet the Team

Let’s Work Together

We want to hear from you!

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We’re currently looking to interview members of the Black African Diaspora, specifically Afro-Caribbean people and Afro-latinx people in Canada, US and Central America (including the Caribbean), we will ask questions related to your cultural sustainability knowledge, your familiarity with your Indigenous heritage and your vision for environmentalism through a cultural lens.

 

If you’re interested in being interviewed, please reach out to research@blackecobloom.org


 

Join our project team!

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As a mostly volunteer led organization we’re always looking for amazing individuals to support our programming. If you’re interested in supporting this project, reach out to research@blackecobloom.org with your resume and brief description of your relevant experience (500 words max). 

 

Individuals who identify as members of the Black, African, African Indigenous, Afro-Caribbean communities or diaspora will be given preference.

 

We’re looking for: 

  • Content creators 

  • Graphic designers 

  • Writers 

  • Editors 

  • Researchers

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