Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Training

T.E.K is a land management system using science and ecological knowledge compiled by Indigenous people that inhabited the lands of California for millennia. This system utilizes active human management of ecosystems with place-based understanding of landscapes and how to actively manage flora and fauna in response to changes in the environment.  

Based on a deep understanding of the interconnections between the natural world, human communities, and cultural traditions, T.E.K. recognizes the critical importance of preserving and sustaining natural resources for future generations.

T.E.K. includes a broad range of knowledge, practices, and beliefs related to ecological systems, such as land use practices, conservation techniques, and wildlife management. These practices are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and are often based on observation, experimentation, and experience passed down through generations.

Some examples of T.E.K. practices include using cultural burns to manage forests, rotating crops to improve soil health, and using local plant species for medicinal purposes. These practices are often closely tied to  cultural beliefs and are integrated into the daily lives and traditions of indigenous communities

T.E.K. has been recognized as an important source of wisdom for sustainable land management and conservation. Its holistic approach to understanding the interconnections between ecological, social, and cultural systems has proven to be effective in preserving and sustaining natural resources. By recognizing and valuing T.E.K., we can work to build more collaborative and inclusive approaches to land management and conservation that respect and integrate indigenous knowledge systems.