What Can Traditional Indigenous Knowledge Teach Us About Changing Our Approach to Human Activity and Environmental Stewardship in Order to Reduce the Severity of Climate Change?

Abstract

Many Indigenous communities living on traditional lands have not contributed significantly to harmful climate change. Yet, they are the most likely to be impacted by climate change. This article discusses environmental stewardship in relation to Indigenous experiences and worldviews. Indigenous knowledge teaches us about environmental stewardship. It speaks of reducing the severity of climate change and of continued sustainable development. The methodology that directs this research is premised on the notion that the wisdom of the Elders holds much significance for addressing the harmful impacts of climate change in the present day. This article's fundamental assumption is that Indigenous knowledge offers practical and theoretical recommendations to current approaches to human activity and environmental issues. We share findings from interviews with Cree Elders who discussed their worldviews and knowledge systems. Findings revealed that Indigenous knowledge offers a philosophy and practice that serve to reduce the severity of climate change.

Two-Eyed Seeing: Seeking Indigenous Knowledge to strengthen climate change adaptation planning in public health

“…of the land are gifts from The Creator that must be respected (Hansen & Antsanen, 2018). Indigenous environmental stewardship is holistically interrelated with their cultural, environmental, and social ways-put simply it is "just their way of life" (Hansen & Antsanen, 2018). It is essential for the land to be protected and preserved for future generations.…”

“…It is essential for the land to be protected and preserved for future generations. As Hansen and Antsanen (2018) noted, such a reciprocal relationship with the natural world challenges the dominant economic forces that consider nature a commodity.…”

“…Indigenous Peoples' Traditional Knowledge, values, and culture provide a model for environmental stewardship that can help society adapt to climate change (Hansen & Antsanen, 2018). As their oral histories show, Indigenous Peoples have lived and adapted to changes in their environment for thousands of years (Ford et al, 2020).…”

“…Indigenous Peoples have a large store of knowledge about the ecosystems in which they live and, over the years, have developed ways to live in harmony with the other living beings around them (Magni, 2017). Indigenous knowledge systems can provide useful insights on approaches to environmental stewardship to help sustain ecosystems that contribute to human health and well-being (Hansen & Antsanen, 2018).…”

Environmental Education: Ecological Wisdom of Indigenous Peoples in Western Siberia

“…During the environmental crisis, there needs to be a greater recognition of the contribution of indigenous communities to the maintenance of biodiversity [28,32], water resources management [33], environmental protection [34], sustainable land use [23], and the development of environmental awareness [14]. We assume that environmental non-formal education is a great way to learn more about practices of these communities, since it has many advantages of effective education programs: Being in the open air, holistic impact, active events, immersion in local culture, and discussion of local environmental problems.…”