Written by Berke Ugur, Four Green Steps

For generations Indigenous people in Canada mastered a unique way of creating, storing and transferring knowledge systems to sustainably live with their land.

The collective interdependent values of Aboriginal worldview, system of governance, know-how and respect to the land are handed over to the next generations through dance, stories, songs and ceremonies.

There is a profound spiritual connection therein. The resources that the nature gives are taken and used with the understanding that only what really needed is taken, and take it with care and appreciation.

Traditional Knowledge and Resource Management

Although there is no universally accepted definition on traditional knowledge, the term is commonly understood to refer to collective knowledge used by indigenous groups to guide and sustain themselves to their land and the nature surrounding the community (Casimirri 2003).

Traditional knowledge has adopted a more focal interest in resource management for the long term sustainability of the land. Although it varies from groups to groups, it has common elements and principles.

[1]Human beings are an integral part of the ecosystem and share them with the other species;

First Nations perceive the relationships between nature’s elements (humans, spiritual, cosmic, animal, plant, mineral worlds, etc.) in a holistic and egalitarian fashion;

The territory (Mother Earth) is there for the well-being of all living beings;

Nature is a fundamental source of harmony and healing for all living beings;

First Nations belong to the territory and have the responsibility to manage and safe keep it;

First Nations’ activities in the territory are dictated by Nature (seasons, migration cycles, sunrise and sunset, lunar cycle, tides, etc.);

Respect, sharing and mutual aid are the foundation of solidarity and social harmony;

Traditional knowledge is transmitted from generation to generation (technologies, observations, stories, legends, customs, etc.) and shared by all family and community members;

Each person is essential to the well-being and perpetuation of the Nation and its culture;

The cultures, languages, histories, contemporary and ancestral occupation of the territories enable First Nations to assert their distinct status;

Cultures and traditional practices include principles and values that can be transposed into the modern notion of sustainable development;

Any form of exploitation of natural resources on First Nations territories should be done in partnership with the First Nations communities concerned and generate economic spin-offs that will improve their quality of life.

This must be done in a way that respects their culture and without limiting their rights to carry on their traditional activities on their territories;

The indivisible links between sustainable development issues are as follows: the preservation and promotion of First Nation cultures and languages; the preservation of the quality of the territories; resource sustainability; social development, economic development; the need for partnerships; and participation in decision-making processes.

These are the components of the principle of sustainable development.

For more information on traditional knowledge and resource management you can visit the sources below:

Ecology and Society-A journal of integrative science for resilience and sustainability

The First Nations Environmental Health Innovation Network

Assembly of First Nations

First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute

[1] First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute. 2004. Mémoire déposé à la Commission d’étude scientifique, publique et indépendante chargée d’examiner la gestion des forêts du domaine de l’état. Assembly of the First Nations of Québec and Labrador, Wendake, Canada.

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