Indigenous knowledge, also known as traditional knowledge or traditional ecological knowledge, refers to a body of observations, oral and written knowledge, innovations, practices, and beliefs that promote sustainability and responsible stewardship of cultural and natural resources through relationships between humans and their landscapes. It is a knowledge system embedded in the cultural traditions of regional, indigenous, or local communities. Indigenous knowledge cannot be separated from the people inextricably connected to that knowledge and applies to phenomena across biological, physical, social, cultural, and spiritual systems. Indigenous peoples have developed their knowledge systems over millennia, and continue to do so based on evidence acquired through direct contact with the environment, long-term experiences, extensive observations, lessons, and skills. Indigenous knowledge offers solutions to some of the worlds most pressing issues, from environmental crises and declining biodiversity to equity, justice, and holistic health systems. Despite the power of traditional knowledge, throughout history, it has been criticized, banned, erased through cultural assimilation, and purposely destroyed in favor of Western, Eurocentric views.