Coordination: Aníbal G. Arregui
The knowledge held by indigenous and Afro-American populations in the Americas is not merely a repository of past knowledge and traditions; rather, it is a source of theories and practices for addressing the social, economic, and ecological changes of the present. Furthermore, our group considers indigenous and Afro knowledge as a model that can offer valuable insights and strategies beyond its specific geographical and cultural context. In other words, we believe that humanity in general can benefit from seriously considering the perspectives of these communities. The last few decades have seen a series of scientific debates surrounding the Anthropocene, which have brought natural science research on an anthropogenic and anthropomorphic “nature” closer to ideas already present (albeit formulated within their own distinct logic) in indigenous thought and practices. Our group’s work has already contributed to this dialogue and the exploration of analogies between indigenous knowledge and science, and we will continue to develop this endeavor in the new phase of research. Therefore, one of our key objectives will be to study how Afro and indigenous communities confront current social, political, ecological, and health transformations, finding their own unique adaptations and responses within the contemporary global context.