Abstract Detail

Education Sharing our Ethnobotany Curriculum: the Open Science Approach

Cain, Shawna [1], Cain, Roger [1].

The Cherokee Native & Art Plant Society.

The Cherokee Native & Art Plant Society (CNAPS) is a self-organized, tribal community not-for-profit organization. Incorporated in 2008, CNAPS was set into motion by Cherokee National Treasures for the purpose of teaching and learning traditional arts and ecological practices that depend upon one another. The mission of CNAPS is "To Support and Promote Cherokee Elders, Traditions, Artistic Expressions and NaturalEnvironments."

CNAPS focuses upon the Cherokee lens where Cherokee National Treasure Elders are viewed as experts in the field of Traditional Ecological Knowledge, often aware of the subtle nuances required to successfully carry on Cherokee ecological traditions to future generations. Cherokee National Treasures play an integral role as "tradition keepers" and individuals distinguished by Cherokee Nation as artists who demonstrate traditional skills and knowledge intertwined with thenatural environment, especially those who continue to keep these traditionsalive. As a grass-roots organization,CNAPS works with tribal entities, public/private schools, universities, collegesand tribal community organizations to ensure that traditional ecologicalknowledge and Southeastern artistic expressions are continued in meaningfulcontexts that promote conservation of natural resources.

Some current CNAPS projects include teaching about traditional hunting and gathering of culturally significant plants, natural dyes, basketry, pottery, stomp dance, traditional food preparation, oral traditions and herbal remedies. Through an intergenerational approach that encourages mentoring and small group-building projects, CNAPS strives to create lasting connections between Cherokee people, their natural landscapes, and their cultural traditions.

Broader Impacts:

Related Links:
Cherokee Native & Art Plant Society

1 - The Cherokee Native & Art Plant Society, 308 N. Muskogee Avenue, Tahlequah, OK, 74464, USA

Keywords:
Native American
basketry
natural products.

Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: SY15
Location: Lindell C/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Time: 5:00 PM
Number: SY15006
Abstract ID:893