Braiding multiple ways of knowing for meaningful scientific understanding

Science is a multifaceted process bringing to bear different kinds of observations, histories, and technologies to the understanding of natural phenomena. Diversifying ways of knowing serves to strengthen that understanding. Bringing together federal, academic and tribal perspectives, such as combining remote sensing data with "in situ" ground knowledge held by Indigenous peoples is critical. When the study of science ignores Indigenous perspectives, scientific understanding and outcomes are compromised through loss of designs and solutions not considered. Building collaborations with Sovereign Nations requires an emphasis on Indigenous empowerment and self-determination, as well as Indigenous historical and cultural practices. This presentation will highlight examples from the NASA MAIANSE activity, and from other activities within NASA, of bringing together Scholars, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, and multiple government agencies to allow for braiding of western and indigenous science and cross-cultural collaborations in the study of Earth system science.