| The overall goal of this work was to blend emerging models that integrate culture and science to develop a new model and a concrete example: the porcupine in Lakota culture and nutrition. This goal was further explored through the following research objectives: (1) to develop a concrete example of integrating culture and biological science, while developing the new model from the Lakota Culture; (2) to identify, through interviews, Custom and Natural Laws to guide traditional Lakota harvesting techniques, food preparation, and non-food uses of the pahin (porcupine), Erethizon dorsatum following the identified Lakota protocol; (3) to follow Lakota protocol utilizing the identified (through the interview process) harvesting and food preparation techniques as the foundation for harvesting and preparing the porcupine, to assist in determining the nutritional contribution to the Lakota diet; to conduct a nutritional analysis of the prepared porcupine; and to develop a blended model for holistic research methodology that incorporates scientific and traditional knowledge. Permission to conduct this research was received from the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Oglala Lakota College and South Dakota State University. Lakota protocols and Western research methodologies (both qualitative and quantitative) were followed using the porcupine example. The Lakota view and the Western view were integrated in a Wopasi Research Model. When all four components are merged into a three-dimensional shape, a sphere, they create a link in the middle to connect all aspects of research together. Bounded by the belief systems of culture and science, a new relationship is formed. The real impact of this research will come from the use and adaptation of the model by indigenous peoples in the region and elsewhere. The four model components of: cultural understanding and protocol; scientific knowledge and methodology; guidance/mentoring; and shared results prompting action are all connected through the now culturally appropriate process of data collection, analysis and interpretation. This Wopasi Model may enhance understanding and respect for tribal perspectives on research and lay the foundation for further collaborative endeavors that aim at improving well-being of tribal communities in a manner that is connected to their history, language, and culture, and thus more likely to achieve positive sustainable results. |
