Indigenising design: The Seven Grandfathers’ Teachings as a design methodology

Abstract

This article presents ‘The Seven Grandfathers’ Teachings as a Design Methodology’ which includes an Indigenous value system as a foresight method to identify future responsible design opportunities that integrate Indigenous knowledge and new possible role of designers towards a more sustainable and biocultural diverse world. The Seven Grandfathers’ Teachings have been an Indigenous way of knowing in North America for generations. The Indigenous authors explore how Indigenous knowledge systems, when applied to design, can produce an approach that promotes ethical designs and processes. This design methodology allows a respectful and conscious practice while integrating Indigenous knowledge, thus, Indigenising design practices. The role of designers changes according to time and place; Indigenous knowledges have the potential to give a different approach to enact environmental and culturally relevant design practices.