Decolonizing Indigenous Science: Bees and the Reclamation of Indigenous Sovereignty
How Indigenous bee stewardship embodies sovereignty and traditional knowledge systems in ecological science
Introduction
Imagine a world where science and spirituality are not separate, where understanding the ecosystem comes from millennia of relationship with the land, and where the humble bee is viewed not as a simple insect but as a teacher and relative.
This is the worldview of Indigenous science, a sophisticated system of knowledge that has sustained human and environmental health for generations. Yet, for centuries, Western science has often dismissed these knowledge systems as anecdotal or primitive—a continuation of colonial practices that marginalize Indigenous voices and ways of knowing.
Decolonize
Science by recognizing Indigenous knowledge
Sovereignty
To define knowledge and practice self-determination
Healing
Through traditional practices and relationships
Today, a powerful movement is underway to decolonize science by recognizing the validity and value of Indigenous knowledge systems. At the heart of this movement lies the concept of sovereignty—not just political sovereignty over traditional lands, but the sovereignty to define knowledge, practice self-determination, and maintain cultural relationships with the natural world.
In this context, bees emerge as unexpected but crucial players in the story of Indigenous sovereignty. From their role in traditional healing practices to their place in sustainable food systems, these remarkable pollinators are teaching us how to rebuild relationships with the natural world based on reciprocity, respect, and responsibility.
Key Concepts: Bees, Knowledge, and Power
Indigenous Science
Indigenous science represents a comprehensive approach to understanding the natural world, deeply rooted in the traditional knowledge and practices of Indigenous peoples across millennia.
Unlike Western science, which often separates the observer from the observed and prioritizes quantitative data, Indigenous science embraces holistic perspectives that view humans as interconnected with all living things 1 .
Food Sovereignty
The concept of food sovereignty extends beyond mere food access to encompass the right of peoples to define their own agricultural and food systems.
For Indigenous communities, this is deeply connected to broader sovereignty and land relations. As one research paper notes, Indigenous well-being is founded on "nunaka (my land, my birthplace), inclusive of one's responsibility to ensure continuation of a way of life defined by connections to ancestral lands" 3 .
Non-Native Honey Bees
While European honey bees often receive praise for their agricultural pollination services, their introduction to non-native ecosystems has created significant ecological imbalances.
Recent research from Southern California reveals that feral honey bees comprise up to 98% of all bee biomass in some ecosystems, outcompeting native pollinators for limited resources 7 .
The Impact of Non-Native Honey Bees
The study found that honey bees remove about 80% of available pollen during the first day a flower opens, leaving scant resources for the region's 700+ native bee species 7 . This resource competition threatens native pollinators and the specialized plant relationships they've co-evolved with over millennia.
The dominance of honey bees represents a form of ecological colonialism that mirrors the suppression of Indigenous knowledge systems—both impose external systems without regard for local context or balance.
Featured Research: Documenting Indigenous Apitherapy Knowledge
Methodology: Bridging Worldviews
A groundbreaking study conducted in the Oromia region of Ethiopia demonstrates how Indigenous knowledge of bees—specifically the use of bee products for healing (apitherapy)—can be documented and validated using approaches that respect traditional ways of knowing .
Researchers employed a community-centered methodology that prioritized relationship, responsibility, reciprocity, and redistribution—core Indigenous values that contrast sharply with extractive research models.
The study selected seven zones in the Oromia Regional state based on their beekeeping potential, the presence of long-aged beekeepers, and accessibility. From these, fourteen districts were chosen, and questionnaires were distributed to elders and well-known traditional healers—recognizing them as knowledge-holders rather than merely research subjects.
Results and Analysis: Science Meets Tradition
The research revealed a sophisticated understanding of apitherapy among Oromia's traditional practitioners. The data showed that 49.3% of respondents primarily used Apis mellifera honey for medicinal purposes, while 31.9% favored stingless bee honey . This differentiation demonstrates precise ecological knowledge about the varied properties of different bee species' products.
Preferred Bee Products for Apitherapy in Oromia Region
Traditional Preparation Methods for Bee Medicine
| Reported Challenge | Percentage of Respondents | Impact on Traditional Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of Awareness | 28.8% | Diminishing transmission to younger generations |
| Preference for Modern Medicine | 25.4% | Undervaluing of traditional knowledge |
| Loss of Natural Habitats | 18.9% | Reduced access to bee products |
| Cultural Disconnection | 16.2% | Breakdown of intergenerational knowledge transfer |
| Commercialization Pressures | 10.7% | Shift from medicinal to purely economic values |
Perhaps most importantly, the study documented overwhelming consensus on the efficacy of bee products for treating specific conditions. The majority of respondents strongly agreed that bee products served as effective treatments for respiratory conditions (asthma, cough, common cold, TB) and wound healing . This consensus across diverse communities and age groups suggests a robust traditional knowledge system worthy of further scientific investigation.
The Scientist's Toolkit: Key Materials in Indigenous Bee Science
Indigenous bee science utilizes a range of materials and approaches that differ significantly from conventional apiary management. These tools reflect a philosophy of minimal intervention and deep ecological understanding.
Native Bee Species
Unlike commercial beekeeping that relies on imported European honey bees, Indigenous science prioritizes relationships with native pollinator species—including stingless bees and solitary bees—that have co-evolved with local ecosystems .
Traditional Hive Designs
Indigenous beekeepers often use locally sourced materials to create hives that mimic natural nesting conditions while respecting bee behavior and colony needs.
Smokeless Smokers
Innovations like the "Native Solution" offer alternatives to traditional smokers by using natural plant compounds that calm bees without introducing harmful combustion products into the hive 6 . This approach honors the Indigenous principle of respecting biological balance.
Sensory Evaluation Methods
Indigenous science employs sophisticated sensory assessment techniques—including visual, textural, and aromatic evaluation—to determine honey quality and medicinal properties, contrasting with laboratory-based metrics alone.
Cultural Burning Practices
Though not exclusively for apiculture, controlled cultural burning maintains healthy ecosystems that support diverse pollinator populations by promoting floral diversity and habitat vitality 1 .
This practice demonstrates the interconnected approach of Indigenous science, where land management supports all aspects of ecological health, including pollinator populations.
Conclusion: Sweetening the Future Through Sovereign Science
The relationship between Indigenous communities and bees offers profound lessons for addressing contemporary ecological challenges. By recognizing the sovereignty of Indigenous knowledge systems, we open ourselves to scientific approaches that prioritize balance, reciprocity, and long-term thinking.
The documented success of apitherapy in Ethiopia and the concerning impacts of non-native honey bees in California both point toward the same conclusion: diverse, localized knowledge systems are essential for sustainable futures.
As we face interconnected crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and cultural disintegration, the bees remind us of the power of relationships—between humans and the more-than-human world, between different ways of knowing, and between present actions and future generations.
The Path Forward
The path forward lies in creating spaces where Indigenous and Western sciences can dialogue as equals, each bringing their strengths to address our most pressing challenges.
By embracing this pluralistic approach to knowledge, we not only honor the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples but also enrich our collective capacity to create a sweeter, more sustainable world for all beings.