Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge
(ITEK)What is (ITEK) Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge
The Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge program classes are conducted during the spring and fall internships. The lesson plans which are comprehensive and detailed, are focused on First Foods, Medicinal Plants, Ecological Restoration, and Conservation of plants that are indigenous to the northwest region.
Students are given textbooks and access to computers to enhance engagements and classroom conversations, view films and documentaries, providing hands-on training, in-field instruction, conduct documentation, and research followed by reports. Other educational resources include articles, film clips, written assignments, and homework. Exercises such as soil testing and cultural activities using native plants round out the curriculum. At the conclusion of each program, the students turn in an assessment, and exit interviews are conducted.