Reading the contribution from Cheri Johnson,
Indigenous knowledge is often characterized as if it is automatically positive
I found in my research in a global community the same idealization of "global south" people or in general "poor people". I find it's particularly hurtful when this conceptualization of under-represented groups leads to overlook how many heterogeneous positions exist within them and how power structures come into play. In the communities I study people try to overcome this by building internal governance structures that are as plural and diverse as possible, and guarantee the less powerful members can also say what they want to say. But of course the community you mention must have a governance already defined.
Could there be a way to calibrate the knowledge production system to the ends that are desired by the Native communities?
You may find of interest the work of GOSH community-- basically people building tools for producing scientific knowledge they need. The manifesto is pretty explicit and points to exactly this idea of empowering communities so they can also influence the scientific agenda. A reference here is Max Liboiron and the CLEAR lab.
