Indigenous trans-systemics: changing the volume on systems

Abstract

This paper emerged as a result of Anishinabe and non-Indigenous scholars discussing the basic principles behind systems thinking. By asking the question “what is a system?”, we uncovered that our very understanding of what makes a system was vastly different. As scholars working in cross-cultural and inter-cultural environments, these differing worldviews can create systemic challenges in unpacking complex problems. Trans-systemics offers language to unearth these assumptions by the recognition that the dominant, or “loudest”, systems are not always the most appropriate or equitable. It goes beyond critical systems thinking to identify that tackling complex problems requires the recognition that there are multiple, overlapping systems and worldviews at play. We identified three key takeaways from Indigenous trans-systemics for socio-ecological systems thinkers: (1) trans-systemics is a call to humility, asking us to critically examine our patterns of thought and behavior; (2) by exploring humility, trans-systemics allows us to move past the autopoiesis of Eurocentric systems thinking to consider interdependence; and (3) to utilize Indigenous trans-systemics, we need to fundamentally reconsider how we understand the systems around us and bring in outside tools and concepts to enact meaningful systems change.

Framings in Indigenous futures thinking: barriers, opportunities, and innovations

“…While discontinuities and dynamisms of global environmental and social change are difficult to capture in models (Cork et al 2023), progress has been made in translating socio-cultural concepts into models, particularly through agentbased, Fuzzy-cognitive mapping, and Bayesian approaches that allow for the incorporation of diverse types of expertise (Bayliss et al 2018;Ferrier et al 2016;Rojas et al 2022). Recent research argues for trans-systemic approaches, that take seriously the challenges to Western worldviews that underpin most current models, and consider Indigenous systems-thinking and associated opportunities for tackling issues related to complexity, reconciliation, and dynamic views of time and cosmology (McIntyre et al 2023). The use of new types of models in futures thinking is a fruitful area for further research with, for, and by Indigenous peoples.…”

Cultivating Pearls of Wisdom: Creating Protected Niche Spaces for Inner Transformations amidst the Metacrisis

“…The trans-perspectival nature of Indigenous trans-systemics makes it suitable for navigating and sensemaking within a pluriverse of perspectives without defaulting to reductionism [26]. Such flexibility is vital when exploring partisan issues or the liminal space between what is often framed as oppositional ways of knowing (e.g., scientific reductionism versus holistic knowledge systems) [24,27,28].…”

“…It is important to clarify that complexity in this context is not limited to complexified phenomena, but rather the centralization of collective wellbeing in all considerations [29]. As such, applications of trans-systemia are less exercises in problem diagnosis and treatment than they are invitations to explore different perspectives, stories, and epistemes in order to enrich trans-contextual understandings [26,30].…”

“…Through an Indigenous trans-systemics lens, no "system" is autopoietic (self-creating and self-bounding) [26,43]. Instead, what is perceived as a system in the West (e.g., law, politics, and ecology) is seen as an unbound constellation of indivisible and inseparable relationships.…”

“…In the Anishinaabe tradition, all phenomena are understood as interrelated and interconnected through Story [26]. Stories are seen as living gifts to be shared and sustained through community.…”