Sharing Indigenous values, practices and priorities as guidance for transforming human–environment relationships

Abstract

Achieving more effective and equitable environmental conservation practices and policies involves shifting from a human‐centric, top‐down perspective of environmental conservation to a perspective that respects and cares for all living and non‐living beings. Many Indigenous Peoples from around the globe embody approaches to environmental care that are rooted in values such as responsibility, respect and reciprocity (a.k.a. relational values), which, through meaningful engagement and support of Indigenous self‐determination, can guide Western society towards a fundamental shift in perspective, practices and relationships. We conducted interviews and sharing circles with 40 individuals from 12 Indigenous communities across Canada to describe: (1) the values, teachings and customs that are inherent to the way Indigenous Peoples relate to and care for the Land, (2) how these values and practices have changed over time and (3) ways to create environmental initiatives that are rooted in Indigenous values. Generally, participants emphasized the critical link between people and place, and how this leads to environmental practices rooted in values such as respect, reciprocity, humility and responsibility. They also reflected on the negative impacts of colonialism, environmental change and modernization on their connections to the Land and opportunities to practice these values, but highlighted that cultural revitalization efforts have started to restore traditional values and practices. To create environmental initiatives that are rooted in important values, research participants called for building better relationships both with nature and with each other through nature. Ultimately, uplifting Indigenous values systems and, specifically, the ways Indigenous Peoples relate to and care for the natural world stands to heal our relationship with the Land and safeguard it into the future. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.