Connecting Indigenous Knowledge Systems – experiences from Peru and Aotearoa New Zeeland

Mariaelena Huambachano’s book “Recovering Our Ancestral Foodways: Indigenous Traditions as a Recipe for Living Well” (2024) provides a comprehensive ethnographic study of the philosophies of well-being, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), and sustainable food systems of the Māori and Quechua peoples. Based on more than ten years of immersive fieldwork in Peru and Aotearoa New Zealand, the book unveils the stories, theories, and practices that demonstrate the intimate connection between the Māori and Quechua peoples. It emphasizes the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge into sustainable food systems and presents an Indigenous food sovereignty framework called the Chakana/Māhutonga. Additionally, the book introduces the Khipu Model, a research methodology for studying Indigenous knowledge systems. “Recovering Our Ancestral Foodways” celebrates Indigenous food sovereignty and the critical role of Indigenous peoples in preserving biodiversity, food systems, and innovation for the well-being of humanity.

Speaker

Mariaelena Huambachano, Associate Professor, Syracuse University

Biography 

Dr. Mariaelena Huambachano, a native Peruvian Indigenous scholar, is an Associate Professor at Syracuse University. She is actively involved in developing the Global Indigenous Cultures and Environmental Justice Department and Center. Dr. Huambachano advocates for the rights of Indigenous peoples and is dedicated to placing Indigenous knowledge and philosophies of well-being at the forefront of discussions on food security and nutrition. 

Her work spans higher education and various United Nations systems, including IPBES, UNESCO, and HLPE-FSN. Currently, she serves on the UNESCO Indigenous and Local Knowledge Task Force for the 2024-2028 mandate. Dr. Huambachano’s research and teaching adopt an interdisciplinary approach, combining Indigenous Studies, Environmental Studies, and Sustainable Development. These fields address crucial issues such as food and climate justice, environmental governance, agroecology, public policy, community-driven development, traditional ecological knowledge, and decolonizing methodologies. 

In her book, “Recovering Our Ancestral Foodways,” she highlights the traditions of the Quechua and Māori peoples, along with those of Indigenous communities worldwide, in their efforts to protect food systems and promote the well-being of humanity.