Pathways to healing: Indigenous revitalization through family-based land management in the Klamath Basin

Abstract

Indigenous revitalization includes community-led healing from intergenerational land-based trauma. Yet given colonial legacies that perpetuate the devaluation of Indigenous knowledge and dispossession of Indigenous lands, healing in Indigenous communities presents particular challenges. Such challenges can include responding to western models of bureaucratic governance that replicate historical trauma in governance relations. Building on existing frameworks of Indigenous political ecology, we consider the importance of resisting colonial legacies that can influence Indigenous environmental governance. We do so by discussing community-led revitalization and resurgence in the Karuk tribal community, and an exemplar case of family-based management systems for caretaking ceremonial trails in the mid-Klamath (Northern California, USA). Through this case, we consider the interdependent functions of family-based governance and tribal government institutions for collective decolonization and healing. Our analysis of family-based management provides insights into the sociopolitical and ecological dynamics of healing in diverse Indigenous communities, and explores more inclusive models for Indigenous environmental governance.

Collaborative care in environmental governance: restoring reciprocal relations and community self-determination

“…kipukakuleana.org/whoweare) Care in place nourishes possibilities for kinship-making. For example, community-led initiatives to restore ceremonial trails or a gathering place can involve relearning what it means to be of that place, and all of the relationships held within it (e.g., Reed and Diver 2023). Thus, connections to place sustain kin-centric relations between human and non-human collaborators that are embedded in Indigenous belief systems (e.g., Deur andTurner 2005, Kimmerer 2013).…”

Land as a Teacher: Indigenous Food Knowledges and Perspectives from Long Plain First Nations

“…Indigenous communities' have an ethical framework that includes a hands-on approach, that works to guide youth towards capacity building and learning, based on experiences that will benefit the individual, but also the community as a whole. Community learning, and hands-on learning involves, drawing on various forms of cultural knowledge and experiences, which also includes shared decision-making, responsibilities, and building capacity through directive and intentional learning, and through a community dialogue and action process that meets that promotes environmental stewardship (Castleden, et al, 2012;Grimwood, et al, 201;Reed & Diver, 2023). Connecting communities through curricular initiatives, can create a variety of opportunities for the community it serves.…”

“…The challenge to respectfully incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems, includes strategies that will support meaningful learning. In order to be culturally responsive to the needs of Indigenous youth, it is vital then that we find a way to immerse the youth on the land, through hands-on learning, and in return the young people will collectively learn about their identity, traditions, language, practices, and knowledge systems (Bartmes & Shukla, 2020;Castleden, et al, 2012;Okpalauwaekwe, et al, 2022;Reed & Diver, 2023).…”

“…It is LPFN Elders', leaders', and community members' responsibility to ensure that the youth are provided with the necessary resources to succeed in all aspects of life. Engaging youth in partnership land based projects that fosters a holistic model, self-determination, a sense of belonging, and cultural identity, will surely enhance community initiatives (Bartmes & Shukla, 2020;Castleden, et al, 2012;Grimwood, et al, 2012;Okpalauwaekwe, et al, 2022;Reed & Diver, 2023). By providing mentorship, support, and empowerment, the LPFN community can ensure that their youth have the opportunity to thrive on the land.…”

“…This form of relationship alliance emphasizes the importance of family ties, traditions, and values in decisionmaking processes. It often involves Elders and community members coming together to discuss and address issues that affect the entire community (Castleden, et al, 2012;Grimwood, et al, 2012;Reed & Diver, 2023). By encouraging participation in the family unit, LPFN community can preserve their traditional knowledge systems on the land.…”