Over the years we have posted numerous times on the value of indigenous knowledge and traditional ways of being, knowing and doing. As an anthropologist, one of my core interests lies in bridging the gap that exists between indigenous knowledge and western modes of thought in search of alternative ways of approaching problems. This very approach is occurring in Colorado on the lands of the Southern Ute. A recent NY Times article details a venture between Solix Biofuels and the tribe that aims to create biofuel from algae, all the while maintaining a distinctly indigenous approach. "For example, any project that would displace land used for growing food was tossed out for philosophical reasons: the Southern Utes’ belief that energy and food should not compete in a world where people still starve. That eliminated discussion of corn-based ethanol." And further, the Ute's unique outlook translates in a business sense as well: "The Utes have a very long economic view. They’re making decisions now for future generations as opposed to the next quarter, and that is just fundamentally different.”
Read the entire NY Times article here>>>
Visit the website of the Southern Utes here>>>
Visit the website of Solix Biofuels here>>>
This is great. I wonder if there are more plans like this being implemented. It would do the US well to reassess its perspective like the people here have.
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