Working With Indigenous Knowledge Holders to Advance Equitable and Inclusive Nature and Climate Initiatives
Non-governmental organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and governments seek inclusive, holistic approaches to address the many environmental challenges we face, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation. To do so, we must engage ethically with Indigenous Knowledge, ensuring free, prior, and informed consent and that the projects we implement are sustainable and successful.
Recommendations
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Build meaningful relationships and respect Indigenous rights.
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Respect Indigenous Knowledge and culture.
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Recognize Indigenous women as partners and equals.
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Promote direct access to funding opportunities.
Climate change and biodiversity loss are being experienced worldwide, at unprecedented levels. In this context, aligning actions on climate adaptation and enhancing biodiversity is an increasing policy priority, including through the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems. In recent years, these strategies have been referred to as nature-based solutions or ecosystem-based adaptation. These practices are often rooted in Indigenous Knowledge systems that have evolved over millennia, extending into the present.
While governments and civil society strive to meet standards for the engagement, inclusion, and participation of rightsholders and stakeholders, as well as safeguards for Indigenous rights, these commitments are not always reflected in practice. The missing piece is working with Indigenous Knowledge Holders fairly, ethically, transparently, and with reciprocity in mind.
This brief explores principles and actions for working with Indigenous Knowledge Holders to advance climate and nature initiatives using Indigenous science in collaborative and equitable ways. It was produced as part of an ongoing collaboration and from discussions around engagement with Indigenous Knowledge Holders among the Métis National Council, Assembly of First Nations, Global Affairs Canada, and the International Institute for Sustainable Development. Together, we are pleased to bring these conversations—and the guidance that has come out of them—to a wider audience.
By encouraging a better understanding of the values and worldviews that underpin Indigenous Knowledge, the weight of the knowledge can be more fully appreciated and leveraged. In doing so, we can also confront, explore, and challenge our own ways of understanding the world.
Participating experts
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