It gives me enormous and heartfelt gratitude to the people of South Africa (through iIKSSA), for awarding me the National IKS Pioneers Award last Friday evening , the 26th September 2014.
The award was given at the Freedom Park at the Gallery of Leaders as acknowledegment and outstanding contribution of men and women who have made an impact on IKS since the start of South African democracy 20 years ago. Citing from the award letter; "Your contribution to this journey can never be eschewed...Hence the special ceremony has been organised to recognise your contribution".
Briefly my journey started with advising the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology in 1997; to advising the Committee of Heads of Science Councils (8 of them); the Minister of Science and Technology; being a part of the first Bi-National Commission of Science and Technology between India and then later China to map out how the different knowledge traditions were incorporated in the national system; into WIPO's, UNESCO's and various international bodies that were still beginning to grapple with IKS in the late 1990 and early 2000s.
The iIKSSA Trust is a national body founded in November 2002 supported by the (then) Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (DACST) with the sole objective of promoting and protecting the IKS and IKS Practitioners in this country.
It was a colorful ceremony with over 300 Elders, researchers and government officials.
The Plaque itself was an amazing feat, like a labour of love - made by beads complete with the edgings of the 1.20 metres x 80 cm (attached)
Bands played, poetry, traditional dances topped it up, in African style up to 11pm.
I am really overwhelmed !!!
Catherine