PARENT SESSION
Oral Session #50: Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
Presiding: J. Ford
Wednesday, August 7. 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Greenlee Meeting Room, TCC.
Understanding traditional knowledge for ecological restoration: A qualitative interview study with Cherokee and Appalachian elders.
COOLEY, NIKKI*,1, 1 Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
ABSTRACT- This research study documents and synthesizes historical land management practices demonstrated by the traditional ecological knowledge and practices of southeastern Cherokees, specifically burning. A literature search about the fire history of the Southeastern region, historically and currently occupied by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, identified emerging themes and patterns from opposing and supporting historical, ecological and anthropological records in these categories: 1) widespread and frequent purposeful burning of forests; 2) agricultural burning; 3) accidental or lightening caused fires; and 4) fires set deliberately for other reasons. Qualitative interviews with members of the Cherokee Tribal community and nearby Southern Appalachia communities were conducted and transcript data were analyzed inductively to identify emerging themes that describe traditional burning practices in these communities. The research conclusions show the significance of oral knowledge about historical land management practices. Implications of how the data may inform methods for contemporary restoration plans and treatments are presented.
KEY WORDS: Cherokee, fire, management, tradition