Just like western science, indigenous science relies upon direct observation; there are
tests to insure validity and data are used for forecasting and generating predictions.
Individuals are trained in various forecasting and generating predictions. Individuals are
trained in various specializations, for example, herbal ism, weather observations, mental
health and time keeping. Unlike western science, the data from indigenous science are
not used to control the forces of nature, instead, the data tell us ways and means of
accommodating nature. Other critical distinctions include the following:

1. The indigenous scientist is an integral part of the research process and there is a
defined process for insuring this integrity.
2. All of nature is considered to be intelligent and alive, thus an active research
partner.
3. The purpose of indigenous science is to maintain balance.
4. Compared to western time/space notions, indigenous science collapses time and
space with the result that our fields of inquiry and participation extend into and
overlap with past and present.
5. Indigenous science is concerned with relationships, we try to understand and
complete our relationships with all living things.
6. Indigenous science is holistic, drawing on all the Sense including the spiritual and
psychic.
7. The end point of an indigenous scientific process is a known and recognized place. This
point of balance, referred to by my own tribe as the Great Peace, is both peaceful
and electrifyingly alive. In the joy of exact balance, creativity occurs, which is why
we can think of our way of knowing as a life science.
8. When we reach the moment/place of balance we do not believe that we have
transcended — we say that we are normal! Always we remain embodied in the
natural world.
9. Humor is a critical ingredient of all truth seeking, even in the most powerful rituals.
This is true because humor balances gravity.

Colorado, Pamela. -1994. Indigenous science and westem science: a healing convergence.
Presentation at the World Sciences Dialog I, New York City, April 25-27, 1994

Who Do You Think You Are? is a new series which takes a up close and personal look at the genealogy and family history of some of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon, Spike Lee, Matthew Broderick and Brooke Shields.

As someone who has been working with my own ancestors pretty intensively for the past 15 years, it is nice to see that Hollywood is finally catching up. Perhaps all of us who received a Master’s degree in ancestral remembrance and recovery in the Indigenous Mind Program at Naropa University will finally be in demand for the unique work that we do.

I did my graduate research on my Polish ancestral roots, which culminated in an ancestral journey back to Poland in 2002. You can read more in my thesis. “Journey to my Polish Indigenous Mind” that you can download for free on my website.

Other IM graduates include Audri Scott Williams, who traced her African roots back across the Middle Passage and to West Africa; Sulonda Smith, who traced her ancestors to South Africa and had a chance to study with Zulu healer Credo Mutwa; Marcela Sabin, who reconnected with her indigenous Basque and Spanish roots; Kit Cooley who made an ancestral journey to Italy; Teresa MacColl, whose ancestors come from the clan Colla of Ireland and the highlands of Scotland; Linda Joslin, who retraced the steps of her ancestors in England; Bernd Geels who rediscovered the Celtic Goddess Brigit; and Venus Herbito who helped restore the healing traditions of her indigenous Phillipino ancestors.

All of these people have amazing stories to tell and have much to share. I hope that Hollywood and the world will soon discover some of what we all have to offer.