Braiding Knowledge Systems: Indigenous Land Stewardship and Modern Soil Science

Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into Regenerative Policy

Abstract

As Western agricultural systems grapple with the limits of industrial production, the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) offers a proven pathway to long-term sustainability. This article explores the intersections between Indigenous land stewardship—specifically the "Three Sisters" polyculture and cultural burning practices—and modern soil microbiology. By analyzing case studies from First Nations agricultural initiatives in the Canadian Prairies, the research demonstrates how Indigenous frameworks for reciprocity and "seven-generation" planning enhance local biodiversity and soil carbon sequestration. This concluding article for JARS Vol. 1 advocates for a "Two-Eyed Seeing" approach to agricultural research, ensuring that sustainability is rooted in both empirical science and ancestral wisdom.