Bonus Edition: Will Tech Inevitably Alienate Children? How One Indigenous Philosopher Made Me Rethink Everything

In honor of Indigenous People's Day, I’d like to share a reflection on the relevance of Indigenous philosophy for our work in child development in the technological age. I come to this topic as a student, deeply rooted in a Western framework, and I don’t claim expertise in Indigenous philosophies. Rather, I approach Indigenous thinkers, like John Fire Lame Deer, as a Westerner asking: What can we learn from studying their perspectives? How might these teachings inspire us to reimagine our relationship with technology and education?

Lame Deer, a Lakota Sioux spiritual leader, has been a guiding voice for many who seek to understand life beyond the confines of Western thought. In his book Seeker of Visions, he reflects on a worldview that emphasizes interconnectedness and respect for all forms of life. He describes everyday objects, like a cooking pot, as sacred symbols that remind us of our place in the larger web of existence. “In the old days,” he writes, “people used to have visions, but nowadays, they have lost this ability. They see things with their eyes, not with their hearts.” This symbolic and relational way of seeing the world contrasts sharply with the Western perspective, which often prioritizes efficiency, individualism, and control.

Consider the concept of interconnectedness that Lame Deer advocates. He explains how the Lakota’s sacred circle reflects unity, natural order, and cyclical harmony. In contrast, he uses the symbol of the square to critique Western society, which he sees as rigid and confining. For Lame Deer, the square represents an alienation from the natural world, a disruption of the balance that binds us to the earth and each other. The symbolic power of the circle—its inclusivity and fluidity—offers us a way to think about children’s development in a world increasingly influenced by technology. What if we taught children to see their lives not as isolated or segmented, but as part of a continuous, interconnected cycle?

The integration of these values into modern educational practices is challenging. Western education often emphasizes individual achievement, linear measurable outcomes, and mastery of technology. But Lame Deer’s philosophy challenges us to reflect on what might be lost in this pursuit. As I consider his teachings, I wonder: How can we help children to balance the benefits of technology with a deep wonder and sense of responsibility towards the natural world?

Lame Deer teaches us a method for noticing the “beingness” of everything—humans, nature, and the cosmos—where humans are participants, not dominators. I believe that incorporating Lame Deer’s philosophy into education does not mean rejecting technology, but rather using it in ways that align with ethical and sustainable values. Lame Deer warns against letting technology dominate our lives but advocates for balanced, intentional use—one that serves life rather than diminishes it. “We have lost our balance,” he says. “We must regain it if we are to survive”.

One way we might start is by reconsidering the stories we tell children. Stories have the power to shape our worldview, and the stories that children grow up with can teach them to respect the natural world and recognize their place within it. By creating narratives that reflect interconnectedness, we could begin to foster a sense of reverence and responsibility in children from a young age. We could harness technology to bring these narratives to life for kids. Perhaps storytelling can help us regain balance, showing children a way of living that honors both the earth and each other.

In a world driven by rapid technological advancement, Indigenous philosophies like those of Lame Deer provide a powerful reminder of the importance of values. They invite us to simply notice, and to cultivate practices that respect the interconnectedness of all things. Lame Deer’s Seeker of Visions is a beautiful place to begin this exploration. His words invite us to reimagine a way of living that fosters harmony, not just with technology, but with life itself.