Knowing- the Native Way. [1]

Epistemology, or how do you
know what you know. An interesting idea, this. Hmm, how do I know what
I know? I know because I've studied it, done it, experienced it, tasted
it, loved it, hated it, listened to it, taught it, and lived it. To quantify and question a person's knowledge seems a poor way to honor the person, if you ask me.
If anyone asks my help, it is freely given, with what facilities I have
at my disposal. Sometimes it is merely a shoulder to cry upon, moral
support, or simply leaving a message. The occasional tire changing,
faucet fixing, and quick jewelry repair are also included in that help.
Sometimes the help is in the form of a refusal, as well, such as not
lending someone beer money. I've helped people build their houses,
paint their cars, and watch their children. I've also had to rely on
others for those same things. Every one of us is the best at what we do
in at least one thing. I try to empower others with that phrase. Think
about that, really exceptional at one thing. It sounds like a PhD in
some phase in life, doesn't it? I know a woman with 6 children, and she
has a PhD in Patience, with special honors. Never loses her temper. I
know another who tans and scrapes hides, she deserves a PhD in that. I
know a man who can dry meat (sort of jerky, but not quite) and can cut
meat like no tomorrow who deserves a PhD for that knowledge. The west
is concerned with a piece of paper that informs others of your prowess
in some field. All you really need to do is talk
to people, most will tell you what they are passionate about, and what
they do. I think that to test what people know is a hard business, and
will continue to be a challenge for the west. Indigenous peoples look
at a person with wrinkles and grey hair and see a library of life
lived, with many lessons to be shared. The west seems to discard these
like paperback books, a sad commentary if you ask me. The volumes of
knowledge walking among us may never be truly realized.