"Epistemological genocide" is sometimes also called "Epistemicide" is overlooked when discussing systemic oppression. Epistemological genocide is the systematic erasure of Indigenous ways of knowing or being. It also refers to the process of destroying existing knowledge systems that are considered "non-dominant" within a society. For example, Indigenous ways of knowing and/or being are erased in favor of white and/or Eurocentric ways of knowing/being. Unfortunately within the animal sector, epistemological genocide is extremely common. When looking at concepts such as but not limited too, "One Health" we see the underpinnings of Indigenous knowledge in terms of animal health being interconnected with human health. Yet the "One Health" movement is severely lacking in Indigenous representation. The reason for this can be oversimplified as ongoing epistemological genocide towards us Indigenous peoples. Regardless of how uncomfortable it may be for some, there is an ongoing epistemological genocide occurring within several animal sectors but I especially see it at its worse within veterinary medicine.
I cannot count the amount of times I am in a wide variety of animal-oriented spaces where the phrase "human-animal" is mentioned. This is a fairly regular occurrence for me to encounter this phrasing. I do not always have the literal time or mental/emotional capacity to interrupt this phrasing. However, when I can/do, I remind people that within my culture there is no dichotomy between humans and animals. Animals are my kinfolk and plants are my ancestors. There is no hierarchy between humans versus animals within my culture or my specific family. More simply put, our animals are our family members.
So what does that look like in my particular family? It means that our recent loss of our family cat Kali-Ma was treated as seriously as the lost of say my father. My mother considered Kali-Ma the same as losing a grandchild. Kali-Ma is now a dedicated patron saint to our family that is a core part of both our familial and ancestral altars. In honor of life with Kali for 25 years, here is a photo of her on a well day as well as an offering.
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice------------------------------
Melinda Trueblood-Stimpson
Founder; scientist
Ludar Animal Behavior
OH
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