Are you passionate about environmental restoration and Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK)? Do you want to gain hands-on experience while making a meaningful impact in your community? Wisdom of the Elders is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for our Spring 2025 ITEK Internship!
What is ITEK?
Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) is a body of knowledge, practices, and beliefs developed over generations by Indigenous communities through direct interaction with their natural environment. Rooted in deep cultural traditions, ITEK includes sustainable land management, ecological restoration, traditional harvesting techniques, and understanding the relationships between people, plants, animals, and ecosystems. Unlike conventional environmental science, ITEK integrates spirituality, oral traditions, and intergenerational learning to guide conservation efforts in a holistic manner.
At Wisdom of the Elders, we incorporate ITEK to support land stewardship, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation while honoring Indigenous cultural heritage.
About the ITEK Internship
The ITEK (Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge) Internship, offered through Wisdom Workforce, is a paid internship designed for Native American adults and BIPOC individuals in the Portland area. This program provides participants with environmental education, career pathway support, and job skills development in the environmental sector.
Program Details
- Duration: Up to 12 weeks (Spring and Fall sessions available)
- Schedule:
- Tuesdays: Classroom learning focused on ITEK, western science, and cultural arts
- Wednesdays & Thursdays: Fieldwork with partner organizations at farms, parks, nature areas, and community spaces across the Portland Metro area
- Pay: $19.00 per hour
- Location: Portland, OR and surrounding areas
What You Will Learn
ITEK Interns will engage in hands-on learning experiences that include:
- Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Native Peoples (ITEK)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM)-related concepts
- Native American cultural arts and medicinal/edible plants
- Environmental restoration techniques and fieldwork practices
Why Join the ITEK Internship?
In the past, Indigenous knowledge and ecological practices were forcibly withheld from Native peoples. At Wisdom of the Elders, we are committed to protecting and passing on cultural and environmental knowledge while ensuring the privacy and integrity of sacred traditions.
After completing the program, graduates can:
- Receive support in applying for jobs and educational opportunities
- Apply for employment with our WWD, LLC Habitat Restoration contract firm as a Field or Garden Technician
- Explore job opportunities with our partner organizations
- Apply for future job positions at Wisdom of the Elders 501(c)(3) non-profit
Apply Today!
If you’re ready to take the next step in your environmental career, we encourage you to apply for our Spring 2025 ITEK Internship.
or contact dawn@wisdomoftheelders.org for more information.
This program is made possible thanks to the support of our Elders, community, partners, guest educators, and generous funding from Oregon Metro, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Meyer Memorial Trust, and 99 Girlfriends.