Medin, D.; Ross, N.; Atran, S. & Cox, D. (n.d.). “Why Folkbiolgy matters: Resource Conflict despite shared goals and knowledge.”

Submitted: Conservation Biology.

There is a continuing controversy over Native American fishing and hunting rights. We show that Native American (Menominee) and majority culture fish experts have a common knowledge base and share values and attitudes associated with fishing practices (though organized around different ethical principles). Nonetheless, perceived group differences are dramatic (especially majority culture perceptions of Native Americans). Cultural differences in models of nature and associated inference processes appear to mediate these stereotypes and may hold the key to reducing inter-group conflict over resources.