What happens when different knowledges speak to each other?

Crossing Over 

 Different ways of knowing (ontology) come from different ways of thinking (epistemology); however as a Western person I have grown to realise that I may be able to know what indigenous people knows but not necessarily think as indigenous people think. Without both epistemology and ontology, I am unable to function from an indigenous worldview.

However, based on the information available, I conclude that traditional knowledge does not divide observations into different disciplines to the same extent as western science, and this more holistic approach may help to develop new ideas for the observation and study of complex natural systems. Western science relating to the natural world is based on empirical data, and scientists offer a scientific explanation for only a part of them. The traditional knowledge of indigenous cultures puts empirical observations into a different, larger context. All cultures try to harmonise empirical observations in order to describe nature and to be able to interpret and predict it. (Iaccarino, 2003)

So really western science and traditional knowledge are not all that different, currently it appears to be a matter of scale. However, it is important for Indigenous people to be given access to the full range of western science and to understand its underlying philosophy. Similarly, Europeans should be given opportunities to develop an understanding of the science of Indigenous Australians and other First Peoples of the world.

The potential for conflict between the two worldviews arises when the knowledge is compared unsympathetically rather than considered as complementary. This can be avoided through realisation that each worldview is equally valid and is based within its culture.