Diversify scientific perspectives
Although Western paradigms dominate how we see science, there are many
ways that individuals navigate science based on their varying cultural
and philosophical foundations that must also be considered (e.g. ,
Cech et al. 2017). In EEB, inclusion of non-Western knowledge
could include the adoption of philosophies such as Etuaptmumk(Mi’kmaw for “Two-Eyed Seeing”), an important framework used to
promote the coexistence of Western and Indigenous paradigms (Barlettet al. 2012). For example, integrating Western and Indigenous
knowledge systems to assess ecosystem health has produced more complex
and historically informed assessments of changes in ecosystem quality
(Mantyka-Pringle et al. 2017). This has been achieved by
incorporating non-traditional environmental indicators, as well as
Indigenous culturally transmitted knowledge of change (Mantyka-Pringleet al. 2017). In addition to more comprehensive research (Mistry
& Berardi 2016; Kutz & Tomaselli 2019; Reid et al. 2020),Etuaptmumk has led to greater retention and success of Indigenous
students in STEM (Osborne 2016; Michie et al. 2018), and better
preparation in meeting the needs of vulnerable Indigenous communities
(Huntington 2000; Mistry and Bernardi 2016; McKivett et al.2020); these benefits should be widely harnessed within EEB research and
education.
More broadly, inclusion of diverse perspectives in EEB can occur through
inclusion and amplification of the voices of EEB members from different
cultural backgrounds (Chaudhary & Berhe 2020), increased engagement
with BIPOC communities impacted by ecological issues (Adams et
al. 2014), and welcoming and celebrating non-traditional views or
methods within labs and departments. Recent initiatives have facilitated
these goals, and serve as excellent examples of how to foster and fund
BIPOC collaborations and communities of BIPOC researchers. These
initiatives include the creation of BIPOC-focused networks such as EEB
PoC (El-Sabaawi et al. 2020) or #EntoPoC (Goodman n. d.), as
well as popular Twitter events including #BlackBirdersWeek and
#BlackMarineScienceWeek. In addition to leading to more impactful and
nuanced research (Hofstra et al. 2014; Reid et al. 2020),
cultivating an atmosphere that values and utilizes diverse perspectives
creates a stronger sense of belonging that combats feelings of isolation
for BIPOC graduate students (O’Brien et al. 2018).