This session explores the role of traditional ecological knowledge and management practices in the context of novel social and ecological systems. We discuss how knowledge generated through traditional ways of long-term, close relationship with ecosystems can contribute to ecological study and management in an era of rapid ecological change.  Panelist comments will be framed with an introduction and summative discussion about how embracing diverse worldviews and fostering bio-cultural refugia may affect ecosystem health in the modern era, including the contribution of these worldviews to research, management, and policy affecting ecosystems and earth stewardship (led by Ricardo Rozzi).

Panelists will explore practical examples of how traditional knowledge can interface with and contribute to the study and management of novel ecosystems, including:

• How and why knowledge generated in traditional ways can contribute to the practice of ecological science in the Anthropocene, with Klamath-Siskiyou examples (Frank Lake).
• How historic ecology, traditional management practice, and social memory can maintain resiliency in cultural and ecological systems (Michelle Stevens).
• How traditional knowledge can enhance wildlife management and action plans in the context of novel ecosystems, with Cherokee examples (Caleb Hickman).
• How traditional knowledge and ecological science can be combined to improve modern forest management, based on a review of the Indian Forest Management Assessment Team (Serra Hoagland).
• How art can be employed as a language to foster connections between people of different worldviews, animals, and ecosystems to advance earth stewardship in an era of rapid change, with examples from the Northwest Territories (Jean Polfus).