Preserving Indigenous Knowledge System Practices: Safeguarding Information for Future Generations

(Information and Knowledge, Knowledge Networks)

By James L. Sacalamitao

November 9, 2023

In today's digital era, preserving information for future generations is paramount. One example is the indigenous or traditional knowledge system. The traditional knowledge lies at the heart of indigenous identity, culture, languages, heritage, and livelihoods, and its transmission across generations must be protected, preserved, and encouraged.

The importance of knowledge management, particularly indigenous knowledge, has gained prominence in sustainable development initiatives. Historically, indigenous knowledge was often marginalized in information management practices, with library and information professionals favoring documented knowledge over undocumented indigenous knowledge. However, growing recognition of indigenous knowledge's value in national development and the knowledge management landscape has fostered a growing interest in its preservation and management. 

As an Education Research Assistant for the CHED IKSCM Program and a Researcher by profession, we work on projects that preserve indigenous knowledge for future generations. One of our projects focuses on integrating indigenous Ilokano healthcare practices into medical and applied sciences. We collaborate with healthcare workers, traditional healers, and policymakers to achieve our goals. 

Photo taken during our Inception meetings in the different LGUS of Ilocos Norte.

With that, we have conducted and organized a Master Bootcamp on Traditional Health Care Management for Rural Health Workers in various municipalities of Ilocos Norte. The bootcamp provided a practical and applied learning environment for healthcare workers, covering nursing healthcare management, rehabilitation care management, and pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical management.

Photo taken during our Master Bootcamp on Traditional Health Care Management for Rural Health Workers in the LGUs of Ilocos Norte.

The bootcamp also aimed to foster knowledge sharing and skill development among healthcare workers and promote the development of local health plans through an integrated healthcare management system. Participants gained insights into the latest healthcare trends through interactive activities and engaged in developing local health plans with their respective LGUs. Traditional healthcare practices were shared and evaluated, and pre-and post-evaluations assessed the knowledge and skills of participants.

So, as a researcher, we need this knowledge sharing for the benefit of all, especially to our target stakeholders. 

Knowledge sharing is key to progress. The Master Bootcamp that we organized is a great example of how knowledge sharing can lead to positive outcomes. By bringing together healthcare workers, traditional healers, and policymakers, created a space where they could learn from each other and develop new ideas.

In conclusion, my work as an Education Research Assistant and we as researchers has a valuable contribution to society. By promoting knowledge sharing and integration, we are helping to build a more equitable and sustainable future.

References: 

Aquino, M. U. (2021). Sustaining the llocano Culture through Contextualization of Indigenous Knowledge System and Development of Culture-Sensitive and Science-based Education Platform. Research Project. Mariano Marcos State University. 

Liberal Youth Movement. (2023). Digital Archiving: Preserving Information for Future Generations. https://www.empowera.tech/2023/06/09/digital-archiving-preserving-information-for-future-generations/. 

Ngulube, P. (2002). Managing and Preserving Indigenous Knowledge in the Knowledge Management Era: challenges and opportunities for information professionals. https://doi.org/10.1177/026666602400842486. 

United Nations. (2019). Indigenous People’s Traditional Knowledge Must Be Preserved, Valued Globally, Speakers Stress as Permanent Forum Opens Annual Session. https://press.un.org/en/2019/hr5431.doc.htm.