{"id":7234,"date":"2019-01-10T13:41:45","date_gmt":"2019-01-10T19:41:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iisd.org\/ela\/?p=7234"},"modified":"2024-04-26T11:28:34","modified_gmt":"2024-04-26T16:28:34","slug":"indigenous-western-approaches-environmental-science-integration-means-us","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.iisd.org\/ela\/blog\/indigenous-western-approaches-environmental-science-integration-means-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Indigenous and Western Approaches to Environmental Science: What integration means to us"},"content":{"rendered":"

In Canada, Western and Indigenous approaches to science are often considered incompatible. We explore how they can and should be working in tandem to further our understanding and protection of fresh water and the environment.<\/em><\/p>\n

Two ways of knowing<\/h2>\n

Western approaches<\/strong> to environmental science focus on finding solutions to tackle existing<\/em> environmental issues through practical data gathering and analysis. These solution-oriented approaches evolve as current technologies or modern equipment evolve for higher efficiency, better pattern recognition and predictability. Sometimes western approaches are viewed as invasive or even hasty; however as far as we can go, sophisticated research studies can deliver evidence-based findings that help form or enhance environmental laws and policies that shape today\u2019s world. But just how fast<\/em> can we chase after the world\u2019s changing climate and emerging environmental issues?<\/p>\n

Indigenous approaches,<\/strong> also known as Traditional Ecological Knowledge or simply Traditional Knowledge, are representations of experience and skills gained over thousands of years co-existing organically in a complex ecosystem. Although these approaches are frequently associated with ontological and spiritual concepts, they are gradually but surely being recognized as proof of practical sustainability, and the finest expression of human survival and adaptation. With one foot outside the world of science, Indigenous approaches remind us of our basic role as part of nature, and of our basic human instinct to strike for survival as opposed to taking it for granted. Now the question is: just how far<\/em> can we go relying solely on western approaches to solve all the modern-day environmental problems?<\/p>\n

\"First

IISD-ELA is working to build meaningful relationships with our Indigenous neighbours in Treaty #3 land, in areas of freshwater science, climate change and environmental policies.<\/p><\/div>\n

This ancient African proverb may provide some insight: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.<\/p>\n

In the spirit of collaboration, IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is working to build meaningful relationships with our Indigenous neighbours in Treaty #3 land, in areas of freshwater science, climate change and environmental policies. To that end, we have hosted four annual Fall Feasts<\/a> since 2015 to bring Indigenous perspectives to our work. A community-based monitoring (CBM) training program was developed in collaboration with the Grand Council of Treaty #3 as a result of one of these feasts.<\/p>\n

Remember that video we made<\/a>\u00a0(below) explaining why we need to reduce how much mercury ends up in our fresh water? We are currently translating it into Ojibwe, so that the communities can best benefit from research findings. This winter, our team participated in a two-day training session on Ojibwe history, language and culture, and are looking forward to doing more in the future.<\/p>\n