They may also be required to act upon this in the development of new projects or programs, or in resolution of public policy issues in the community. In this process, it is not uncommon to find students and community members with more knowledge in certain areas than faculty. In these instances, students and community members may assume teaching roles. To Top Community Knowledge Community knowledge is composed of a sometimes bewildering variety of complex and interrelated elements in Native American communities. One of the most important of these is traditional tribal knowledge that is within a sacred world view and is conveyed through the tribal language.
Transactions are sacred, based upon communal responsibility and obligation.
The second most important knowledge is based upon the literate tradition of the written word and is held within a secular world view. Transactions within this view are largely contractual, based upon legal rights. These rights represent opposing world views, all combined within the Indian community, sometimes integrated, sometimes not. They are a part of the long history of colonial rule and present day federal Indian relationships. Together, these three elements shape the contours of daily life in the community.