The purpose of this chapter is to examine some initial concepts of epistemology (knowledge theory) that differ between Western and Native American cultures. As epistemic theories permeate all aspects of an individual's and culture's worldview, the chapter will explore how the components of different epistemic theories impact ontology (studies of being), phenomenology (study of phenomena), linguistics, and self. Understanding some of the differences between Western and Native American views, on these topics, assists in the understanding of why the historic attempts at education under colonization practices have continued to fail the Native American populations. As can be seen from the preceding chapter involving United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, these same issues can be seen in situations involving global Indigenous populations.