Science vs. Folk Wisdom: "Indigenous Knowledge" in Federal Governance | Joe Simonson & Charles F. Lehman

The role of science, its applications, and ethical implications have been focal points of many public debates in recent years. From the challenges posed by COVID to the complexities of climate change, the question of what qualifies as evidence and the definition of science itself have become partisan issues.

In November 2022, our guest Joe Simonson reports, the Biden administration's Office of Science and Technology issued a rather unscientific memo to over two dozen federal agencies: directing them to apply "indigenous knowledge" to "research, policies, and decision making."

Joe Simonson is a senior investigative reporter for The Washington Free Beacon. He talks with guest host Charles Fain Lehman about "indigenous knowledge" and its serious (and dangerous) role in federal policymaking.

Related reading:
'This Is Extremely Dangerous': Inside the Biden Administration's Push To Swap Science for 'Indigenous Knowledge,' The Washington Free Beacon, by Joseph Simonson
Biden pledges new commitments, respect for tribal nations, APNews, by Felicia Fonseca and Fatima Hussein
White House Releases First-of-a-Kind Indigenous Knowledge Guidance for Federal Agencies, by The White House