A Recap of Four Arrow's Presentation at the Science Summit of the United Nations

Addressing the gap between Indigenous knowledge and the dominant worldview.

Amidst the global pursuit of sustainable development, our guiding council member Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows) delivered an engaging presentation that captivated the world's leaders, academics, and champions of environmental efforts.

He and his “Restoring the Kinship Worldview” co-author, Darcia Narvaez were invited to present on a panel titled, “Connection to the Land, and to One Another: Resisting the Coming Apart of Our Natural and Social Worlds,” at the Science Summit of the United Nations General Assembly, on Monday, September 18th, at 9 a.m. ET. Through his talk, Four Arrows addressed the gap between Indigenous knowledge and the dominant worldview that prevails in many societies today. He presented a compelling case, highlighting the urgent need to acknowledge and embrace the Indigenous worldview, as it offers invaluable insights into truly sustainable living.

He commenced his address by underlining the scientific validity of worldview studies, akin to any other physical or social science. Citing the 2019 UN Biodiversity Report and the recognition of his co-authored text, "Restoring the Kinship Worldview," by the Science Center for the Greater Good at UC Berkeley, he emphasized the growing recognition of the importance of Indigenous worldviews in academia and sustainability.

“If we want to halt the extinction crisis, we need to embrace our original nature-based, spirit oriented kinship worldview that guided us for most of human history before our more materialistic, anthropocentric one.” — IPBES global report

Though proven a factor in sustainability by the UN Bio Diversity report of 2019, Four Arrows pointed out that the idea of worldview has largely been ignored. He then referenced our initiative (ProvenSustainable.org), which is shedding light on the importance of the Indigenous worldview for global sustainability conversations and solutions.

Throughout his presentation, Four Arrows outlined several pivotal goals:

1. The Dichotomy of Worldviews: He posited that there are fundamentally two worldviews at play – the precolonial, nature-based Indigenous worldview, and the postcolonial, materialistic, and anthropocentric Dominant worldview. By highlighting this divide, he challenged the audience to reconsider their perspectives on the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.

2. Indigenous Place-Based Knowledge: He made a crucial distinction between Indigenous Place-Based Knowledge (Traditional Ecological Knowledge) and Indigenous worldview. While Place-Based Knowledge necessitates deep cultural immersion, Indigenous worldview, rooted in universal precepts, is accessible to all and represents the common essence of Place-Based Knowledge.

3. Non-Binary Worldview Understanding: He also urged the audience to embrace a non-binary perspective when examining these two worldviews. Rather than viewing them as diametrically opposed, he encouraged participants to see them as potentially complementary, requiring a constant rebalancing to achieve sustainability.

4. The 40 Paired Worldview Precepts: During the presentation, he introduced a set of 40 paired worldview precepts, offering practical examples of how metacognitive, intuitive, and trance-based engagement with these precepts can transform our thinking and behavior.

His message resonated deeply with the overarching theme of the Science Summit: identifying and promoting concrete opportunities and partnerships for science and academia to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

He insisted that rebalancing the two worldviews, with greater emphasis on Indigenous precepts, is imperative for our survival and the thriving of future generations, stressing that incorporating fundamental moral precepts about humanity, nature, and the afterlife into every course of study can reshape curricula and attract dedicated doctoral students committed to this significant cause.

Despite Indigenous peoples comprising only five percent of the global population, their stewardship over 80 percent of the world's remaining biodiversity is a testament to the efficacy of their worldview.

This aligns with the findings of Australia's 2021 State of the Environment report, which underscores the critical role Indigenous communities play in conserving the natural world.

Four Arrows' presentation echoes the sentiments of the UN and leading scientists who recognize that Indigenous worldview and local knowledge are vital components of sustainability and sustainability education. His call to embrace our nature-based, spirit-oriented kinship worldview reflects a global shift towards acknowledging the value of Indigenous wisdom.

While Indigenous knowledge about place-based wisdom has long been acknowledged, the common Indigenous worldview is only now gaining the recognition it deserves.

“Exploring and understanding our worldview is a powerful step toward realizing our highest potential.” — The Institute of Noetic Science

In conclusion, Four Arrows' presentation at the Science Summit of the United Nations General Assembly is a rallying cry for a more sustainable future. By spotlighting the profound influence of worldviews on our actions, he encourages us to embrace Indigenous wisdom and rethink our relationship with the natural world. As we navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century, Four Arrows reminds us that the path to sustainability lies in the union of these two worldviews, a harmonious balance between the past and the future.

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The Proven Sustainable™ Conversation Series is a fiscally sponsored project of the Center for Transformative Action, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.