This symposium will bring together tribal scientists, managers and practitioners who will present and share how traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is being incorporated into research and management. Presenters, all who are of tribal descent, represent various tribal, agency, university, and organization programs and projects taking place across North America. The goal of this symposium is to demonstrate how scientists and managers are utilizing TEK with integrated management of natural resources in an effort to efficiently utilize and sustain ecosystems. The symposium objective is to give ecologists a range of examples from which to learn from and consider how TEK is applicable to their discipline. Approaches surrounding the application of tribal TEK vary in scale of ecosystem components, philosophies and with approaches of how best achieve preserving and utilizing life on Earth. Within tribal communities TEK is a system of beliefs, an educational tool, and practice that defines their culture as means to preserve, utilize and sustain ecosystems. Many tribal scientists and managers prefer a direct and clear approach to how TEK is utilized to sustain and maintain ecosystems, whereas some tribal practitioners feel that the objectification and experimental manipulation of resources is inappropriate. These differences may challenge, as well as can provide opportunities for ecologists working with tribal or indigenous communities. How ecologists can come to understand these similar but yet divergent views and approaches of incorporating TEK is needed. Presenters will share various approaches for ecologists to consider for the disciplines of education, fire, forestry, botany, wildlife, hydrology, fisheries and cultural resources. The symposium will begin with speakers who address the philosophical and educational components of TEK pertaining to preserving life on Earth. Subsequent speakers will provide case studies and relate examples of how ecologists may learn of TEK and can apply this place based knowledge to their work.