Together, these two sources of knowledge, traditional and nontraditional, articulate to produce a frame of understanding and validation that give meaning to the world around them. In fact, it can be argued that all Native knowledge, traditional and otherwise, is contemporary. It has given meaning from a frame of reference that is continually being updated and revised. Viewing native knowledge as traditional and static invites denial of the relevance and efficacy of the application of Native knowledge to contemporary issues and problems. In other words, Native sometimes feel that the use of traditional knowledge to denote all that they know imposes a way of life on them that is shackled to the past and does not allow them to change.
Many Natives possess ecological knowledge that is traditional in nature.
They depend extensively on this knowledge for maintaining their relationship with animals and providing food for their families. In fact, their experiences often validate, inform and give new meaning and value to traditional knowledge. Native systems of local knowledge Local knowledge systems are based on the shared experiences, customs, values, traditions, lifestyles, social interactions, ideological orientations and spiritual beliefs specific to Native communities. These are forever evolving as new knowledge is obtained or generated. But Native knowledge is more than the sum of its parts.