FDA and CDC may soon utilize ‘Indigenous Knowledge,’ per documents

The FDA and CDC‍ to Incorporate “Indigenous Knowledge” in Research

The​ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers ⁣for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are‍ considering⁢ the inclusion of “Indigenous Knowledge” in their research, according to a‌ document ‌obtained​ by the Washington Free Beacon.

The document, a proposed revision of scientific integrity guidelines for the Department ‍of Health and Human ⁤Services (HHS),⁢ which includes the FDA, CDC, and the National Institutes of Health, emphasizes ⁤the use of “multiple forms of‍ evidence,⁣ such ⁣as Indigenous Knowledge,” when analyzing data.

“Indigenous knowledge”⁢ suggests that native peoples possess hidden ‌wisdom ‍about the universe’s workings, although‌ it has been widely dismissed by experts as pseudoscience. The proposed guidelines also ‌highlight‍ other ⁣”non-traditional modes of science,” including “citizen science, community-engaged research, participatory science, and⁣ crowdsourcing.”⁤ These methods are part of the agency’s⁢ commitment ⁣to “support” equity, justice, and trust.

The report emphasizes the importance of a professional⁤ environment that is safe, ⁢equitable, and⁣ inclusive, stating that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are integral components of the⁤ scientific process.

The finalization of these ‌proposed guidelines is expected to occur this year, and the Department of ​Health and Human Services declined to comment ​on the matter.

The Biden ‍administration’s focus on ​”indigenous knowledge” began in November⁤ 2022 when the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy issued a memo⁤ directing federal agencies to​ incorporate folk wisdom into their ‌research, policies, and decision-making processes.

The ‌memo encourages federal officials to consult with ⁤”spiritual leaders”‍ and challenge ⁤”methodological dogma”​ when considering policy‍ directives. Since then, federal agencies ‍have organized numerous ​meetings on the topic, featuring consultants specializing in “indigenous⁤ knowledge.” These consultants argue for ‍the cyclical nature⁣ of time and propose that tribal elders should​ be compensated for‍ their wisdom.

On his first day in office, President Joe Biden elevated the White House ⁣Office of​ Science and Technology to a cabinet-level agency, demonstrating his administration’s‌ commitment to ⁤”following the science.”

“Science will always be at the forefront of⁣ my administration,” ⁢Biden stated,‍ “and these world-renowned scientists will ensure everything we ⁤do is grounded in science, ‌facts, and the truth.”

It is worth noting that one ⁤of⁣ the White House ⁣officials involved in the “indigenous‌ knowledge” memo has been ⁢barred from publishing papers‌ through the National Academy of Sciences for five years due to multiple ethics violations. However, ⁣there is no ⁣evidence of disciplinary action taken by the White House against this⁤ official,‍ who did⁣ not⁣ dispute the allegations.

In November 2022,⁣ the White House hosted an “indigenous knowledge” lecture in Egypt, where an‍ African activist shared her grandmother’s accurate ⁢weather predictions and expressed ‍her belief that “technology” has only existed for a⁤ relatively short period of time.

How can⁢ the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge enhance the quality ‍and relevance of scientific research conducted by the FDA and CDC?

Irst reaction to this news might be ​one of skepticism. After‌ all, the inclusion of “Indigenous Knowledge” in scientific ‌research seems to go against the principles of evidence-based research​ that form the foundation of modern science. However, ‍upon careful analysis, it​ becomes apparent that this proposal is not about giving​ equal weight to pseudoscience, ⁤but rather ⁣about ​recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and alternative forms of knowledge in the pursuit of scientific understanding.

The ⁢term “Indigenous Knowledge” refers ⁤to the knowledge, wisdom, and practices that have been developed and passed down through​ generations by‍ indigenous peoples. It encompasses a vast range of knowledge about the ​natural ‍world, including traditional healing practices, sustainable agricultural techniques, and ecological insights. This​ knowledge is often based on direct observations and ⁣experiences that have been accumulated over⁣ centuries, and it ⁤provides a unique perspective on the relationship ⁤between humans and the environment.

While it is⁤ true that ⁤Indigenous‌ Knowledge may not conform to⁣ the rigorous standards of scientific methodology,⁢ dismissing it as pseudoscience without further⁤ consideration would be a mistake. The proposed guidelines recognize that there may be valuable insights to be gained ⁤from Indigenous Knowledge, especially in⁢ areas where traditional science ⁣may⁣ be limited or lacking. By incorporating this knowledge alongside other forms⁣ of evidence, the FDA and CDC are opening themselves up to a more comprehensive and holistic‍ approach to ⁢research.

Furthermore,⁢ the proposed ⁣guidelines also highlight other non-traditional modes​ of science, such as citizen science, community-engaged research, participatory science, and crowdsourcing. ​These approaches recognize the⁢ power of collective intelligence and ​respect the expertise and contributions of non-experts. ​They promote collaboration, ​inclusion, and transparency, ultimately enhancing the quality⁤ and​ relevance of scientific research.

By incorporating Indigenous Knowledge and ‌embracing non-traditional modes of science, the FDA and CDC are not abandoning the principles ‌of evidence-based research. On the contrary, they are expanding ⁢their toolkit and acknowledging that scientific knowledge is not static ​or monolithic. Science is an ongoing process of discovery and understanding, and ⁣it benefits‍ from the inclusion of⁤ diverse ⁣perspectives and alternative forms of knowledge.

Moreover, ⁤the emphasis on​ diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in⁤ the ⁢scientific‍ process is a ⁣welcome step towards creating a more just and equitable society. Recognizing and valuing the contributions of indigenous peoples and marginalized communities is not only the right thing ⁢to do, but it is also essential for ensuring that scientific research serves the needs and interests ⁤of all people.

In conclusion, the⁢ proposed incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge in the research conducted by the FDA and CDC should‌ not be seen as a threat to scientific​ integrity, but as an opportunity to broaden the scope and impact of their work. By embracing diverse perspectives and⁣ alternative forms of ‌knowledge, the agencies are taking a step towards a ‌more inclusive and equitable scientific community.⁣ This move reflects a⁤ commitment to social justice, trust, and‍ the pursuit of knowledge ‌for the betterment of all.

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