We look for the better and brighter every day. New, cutting edge technology catches our eye. Medicine has advanced past what we thought possible.
How was all of it accomplished?
Sometimes, it takes going back to our roots to find modern solutions.
“Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge. Shared Science” is open now at the Duane G. Meyer Library at Missouri State University. The Smithsonian exhibit will run until May 24.
About the exhibit
The stories come from four communities:
- The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reserve
- Tulalip Tribes
- Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
- Native Hawaiians
“Roots of Wisdom” explores where traditional knowledge and Western science complement each other.
“We worked hard to bring together some local materials and information that tie in well with the Smithsonian exhibit,” said Tom Peters, library dean.
Each community has a story to tell. The exhibits highlight the sacred relationship with their homeland and passing knowledge down through generations.
Several topics of discussion include:
- Restoring waterways
- Healthcare
- Basket weaving
- Sustainable fishing and food sources
Attend the reception
An opening reception honoring the exhibit takes place from 4:30-6 p.m. March 25 in Meyer Library, outside of room 107.
Remarks will be made at 5:15 p.m.
About the development of the exhibit
“Roots of Wisdom” is supported by Missouri State University’s:
- College of Natural and Applied Sciences
- College of Humanities and Public Affairs
- Division for Diversity and Inclusion
- University Libraries
“Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge. Shared Science” was developed, produced and circulated by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
The exhibition was made possible with funds provided by the National Science Foundation. SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for 65 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. Exhibition descriptions and tour schedules are available. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of the Native cultures of the Western Hemisphere—past, present and future—through partnership with Native people and others.
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in everyone. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science-learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in nearly every county in Oregon. For general information, call 503-797-4000 or visit the OMSI website.