Indigenizing Education: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) for Cultural Relevance, Cognitive Justice, and Student Engagement

Abstract

The chapter investigates the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into educational curricula, stressing its significance in promoting cultural relevance, inclusivity, and student empowerment. The chapter emphasizes the transformative power of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in preserving cultural heritage, fostering creative thinking, and encouraging sustainable practices by integrating academic content with indigenous perspectives. It also deals with the difficulties of digitizing IKS, the opposition in Western-focused educational systems, and the dangers of tokenism, calling for a change in perspective towards cognitive justice and fair educational methods. In the end, the chapter asserts that incorporating IKS is not just about improving academic material but about empowering communities and establishing a fairer and more inclusive educational environment.