It’s a vastly different way of looking at environmental stewardshipNovember 19, 2012 12:14 am
It’s a vastly different way of looking at environmental stewardship
It means from an indigenous perspective that we are not separate from nature. We belong to nature and there is no disconnect between humans and nature. That’s something we find in most indigenous cosmologies, that we are not here to dominant or exploit nature. We’re here to protect it and take care of it,”
Today’s aboriginal elders — with their links to the past — are forging an environmental future, Winnipeg Free Press By: Alexandra Paul 11/17/2012 “…..It used to be that you’d ask an elder if you had a question about anything aboriginal or wanted to understand traditions such as Ohcinewin.
But now, those in younger generations, such as Cook, 33, bring that ancient wisdom to bear on new applications, such as university programs in Western Canada that focus on aboriginal governance, environmental practices and literature. With the environment, the most practical application of traditional knowledge is tied to land management.
During the last two decades, agreements between First Nations, the
province and Ottawa to co-manage lands and natural resources serve
double duty: to recognize land rights and to apply traditional
knowledge and science to conservation…….
It’s a vastly different way of looking at environmental stewardship,
says Gabriel Nemoga, University of Winnipeg associate professor of
indigenous studies.
“Indigenous knowledge, compared to western knowledge, is rooted in a
different cosmology,” said the Colombian-born professor.
It’s not about magic or superstition either, he said.
“It means from an indigenous perspective that we are not separate from nature. We belong to nature and there is no disconnect between humans and nature. That’s something we find in most indigenous cosmologies, that we are not here to dominant or exploit nature. We’re here to protect it and take care of it,” Nemoga said. “This is the indigenous
understanding.”…..
A delegation of three aboriginal Australians met with experts,
including traditional aboriginal elders and land managers, in Winnipeg
early this month to talk about how they manage part of the Outback.
“We use traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge to improve
conditions in country. It makes our environment work more stronger,”
said Philip Bibido McCarthy, a Bardi Jawi Ranger on the northwest
coast of Australia.
The group also stopped in Vancouver, Yellowknife, N.W.T., and Ottawa
as part of a Canadian tour sponsored by the American-based Pew
Environment Group.
“The fact is that most of us in both countries live in cities but
there are incredibly important ecological areas where there are a lot
of aboriginal people who have a strong desire to live, manage and
control the future of their lands,” Australian Pew Environment
spokesman Patrick O’Leary said, during a forum at the University of
Winnipeg…. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/greenpage/local-knowledge-179777141.html
Posted by Christina Macpherson
Categories: aboriginal issues, AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL
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