Nitrogen Cycling by Microbes in Native Hawaiian Culture | Decoding Ancestral Knowledge
Hawaiian microbiologist Kiana Frank takes us to a sacred fish pond and explains how traditional knowledge and microbiology can work together to help us understand how to care for and manage the land.
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~ About the Film: Decoding Ancestral Knowledge ~
Enter the captivating world of scientific exploration through the lens of Kiana Frank who is a proud #NativeHawaiian and #microbiologist. Her unique journey intertwines traditional wisdom with the latest molecular techniques, casting light on the intricate interactions between microorganisms and the environment they inhabit.
It is within the ancient oral narrative of #Meheanu, a revered goddess, that Kiana finds a clue about #nitrogencycling in #fishponds—a pivotal ecological process orchestrating the relationship between #microorganisms, plants, and #fish.
Kiana's groundbreaking research takes an unexpected twist as she unveils a hidden gem concealed within this age-old tale: the revelation that the hau plant's color serves as a dependable indicator of nitrogen levels. This revelation holds profound implications for the management of #Hawaiian fish ponds, providing a fresh perspective on the preservation and nurturing of these ecosystems.
By embracing her Native Hawaiian heritage and its oral traditions, Kiana broadens our concepts of who is a scientist and how science unfolds. Her work stands as a testament to the wealth of #indigenousknowledge in understanding the natural world.
#indigenoushawaiian #hawaiian #oraltraditions #hautree #hauplant #traditionalknowledge #KianaFrank #microorganisms #microbes #microbiology #microbe
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~ Credits and Resources ~
Directed by Ruth Lichtman & Sharon Shattuck
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