Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Decolonial Transformation in Education

Indigenous ways of knowing, learning, and teaching reshape educational practices and institutions. Many education systems have been influenced by colonial structures that marginalized Indigenous knowledge, languages, cultures, and views. Decolonial transformation challenges these histories by promoting inclusive curricula, culturally responsive pedagogies, and equitable knowledge production that recognizes the value of Indigenous perspectives. By integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into education, institutions can foster greater cultural understanding, social justice, and educational relevance while empowering Indigenous communities and supporting the preservation of their heritage. Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Decolonial Transformation in Education explores how IKS integrates with educational policies, curricula, and teaching practices to promote inclusive and culturally responsive learning. It examines decolonial transformation, challenging colonial legacies in education, recognizing diverse ways of knowing, and supporting equity, cultural preservation, and social justice. This book covers topics such as inclusive education, marginalized students, and multilingualism, and is a useful resource for educators, sociologists, academicians, researchers, and scientists.

Dr Monicca Thulisile Bhuda holds PhD holder in Social Sciences with Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) from the North-West University (NWU), with 7 years' experience of teaching within the IKS, culture and heritage fields. She is a coordinator of a programme that focuses on African identities, Heritage and History at the University of Mpumalanga.Furthermore, . She also a culture and heritage lecturer within the same University. Currently as an academic, she has 30 academic publications on IKS and presented 35 abstracts in diverse conferences. She is co supervising students who are registered for master's degrees in IKS with NWU. She also has been declared a national expert of IKS by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture in the republic of South Africa and has served in a national panel of experts since 2021 until present. In 2023, she has been awarded by the South African National Heritage Council (NHC) under the category of Voice of heritage. The North-West University in 2023 also awarded her with an alumni excellence award within the education category. She has been featured numerous times on TV, radio and newsletters as an IKS and culture expert.