The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Council on Environmental Quality today announced the release of a memorandum for federal departments and agencies on incorporating indigenous traditional ecological knowledge (ITEK) into federal decision-making. The memorandum itself notes that the document is the first step in a process being initiated by OSTP and CEQ to develop government-wide guidance for federal agencies on ITEK, with input by tribal nations, ITEK holders and practitioners, federal agency experts, and the public to shape the process.
Among other things, the memo states that ITEK “can and should inform Federal decision making along with scientific inquiry,” and notes that guidance to be developed will include best practices on how to collaborate on ITEK with tribal nations and native communities. Additionally, an Interagency Working Group on Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge will be convened to enhanced interagency collaboration and coordination, address significant issues that arise, and prepare the guidance document for planned release in 2022.
Lastly, the memo notes that OSTP and CEQ “look forward to collaborating with Tribal Nations and Native communities to apply ITEK in a way that benefits people and the planet and facilitates a holistic understanding of the world.”
OSTP Director Dr. Eric Lander said that “[t]his effort will give Federal agencies the tools they need to ensure Indigenous knowledge is appropriately considered and elevated,” while CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory said that the commitment “will help ensure that indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge is a part of decision making across the Federal Government for the betterment of people and the planet.”
