George Nicholas – The Conversation

The study of caribou ecology in the Sahtú region of Canada’s Northwest Territories shows how western science and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge are used together. Shutterstock

February 28, 2019

An uneasy alliance: Indigenous Traditional Knowledge enriches science

George Nicholas, Simon Fraser University

Science is a multicultural enterprise that benefits from and indeed requires competing views.

A line of protesters against the construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline on the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota head to a unity rally on the west steps of the State Capitol in September 2016 in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

September 9, 2018

Protecting heritage is a human right

George Nicholas, Simon Fraser University

Development projects are claiming ancestral sites at alarming rates. This ineffective protection of Indigenous heritage is a violation of human rights.

A team of researchers in northern Australia have documented kites and falcons, “firehawks,” intentionally carrying burning sticks to spread fire: It is just one example of western science catching up to Indigenous Traditional Knowledge. James Padolsey/Unsplash

February 15, 2018

It’s taken thousands of years, but Western science is finally catching up to Traditional Knowledge

George Nicholas, Simon Fraser University

A double standard exists concerning the acceptance of Traditional Knowledge by practitioners of Western science.

Comb Ridge near Bluff Utah. (Shutterstock)

December 17, 2017

Threats to Bears Ears and other Indigenous sacred sites are a violation of human rights

George Nicholas, Simon Fraser University

The Trump administration recently reduced the size of Bears Ears in Utah, opening millions of acres to mining and other uses. This threatens Indigenous heritage and can be seen as a form of violence.

Model Adriana Lima walks the stage in “Nomadic Adventure” lingerie “inspired by indigenous African cultures,” at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show in Shanghai on Nov. 20. (Handout)

November 28, 2017

Victoria’s Secret does it again: Cultural appropriation

George Nicholas, Simon Fraser University

At Victoria’s Secret recent fashion show on Nov. 20, models strutted down the runway wearing Native-inspired regalia. There is no excuse for this socially irresponsible behaviour.

Two young Brazilian men at a carnival street party in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro wearing traditional Indigenous feathers. (Shutterstock)

November 28, 2017

A guide: Think before you appropriate

George Nicholas, Simon Fraser University

Taking a practical and pragmatic approach by posing a series of questions to consider, this summary of the IPinCH guide unpacks important questions about cultural appropriation.

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