Traditional Ecological Knowledge By: Kala Bremner

Outline  What is TEK and what are the risks  2 types of knowledge  What does TEK do  TEK and the global community  TEK in Nanaimo area  Categories of TEK  Problems facing TEK and Scientific Knowledge  Co-management  Conclusion

What is TEK “Traditional Ecological Knowledge refers to the body of knowledge amassed over generations by Indigenous people with respect to their environment, and can be both spiritual and ecological in nature” (Doubleday, 1993).

TEK  Transmitted orally over generations through songs, stories and other forms. Oral traditions are at risk of being lost if native language is no longer used or culture is disrupted through governments policies both past and present. Oral traditions are at risk of being lost if native language is no longer used or culture is disrupted through governments policies both past and present.  Often encompasses spiritual events. Recent introduction of western Recent introduction of western religions often hinder the ability for a group of people ability for a group of people to practice their traditions as to practice their traditions as seen as uncivilized. seen as uncivilized.

Types of place specific Knowledge Local knowledge  doesn’t have to have any historical component. component.  Refers to any learnt knowledge of a place be it location based knowledge or non-traditional knowledge.  Relevant to a specific time and place. Indigenous knowledge  Knowledge that is culturally specific or passed on by Indigenous peoples over generations.  Unique to a specific society and culture.  Takes into account learnt behaviors with respect to the environment.

What does TEK do?  Continuously tested  Based on practices that have been in place over hundreds even thousands of years in some cases.  Allows people to have a close connection with the natural environment.  Teaches children and young people environmentally friendly practices.  Works to use the environment and it’s resources in a sustainable manor.  Focuses on the knowledge of elders and the importance of them in a society.

The introduction of TEK globally  The Brundland report published by The United Nations World Commissions on Environment and Development.  Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro  1996 – Canada contributed the “Aboriginal Forest-based Ecological Knowledge in Canada. (Natural Resource Canada, 1997)

TEK on Vancouver Island  Ecotrust Canada  Georgia Basin Action Plan  Nanaimo Bird Alert  Gengenlilas preschool in Campbell River

Current problems facing TEK  Risk of being lost as less importance is given to indigenous peoples knowledge.  Loss of traditional language often associated with loss of culture and traditional practices.  Western ideas often hinder traditional knowledge.  Economic incentives and western ideals have the ability to influence indigenous groups.  Introduction and expansion of Western way of life often equals a loss of traditional ways of life.

Scientific Knowledge and TEK “TEK is a system of knowledge, parallel and complementary to "Western scientific knowledge," which can be organized into three categories, each of which has its Western scientific equivalent: ” (Environment, 1996). 3 categories 1. Systematic’s- in-depth classification systems. 2. Use and development of new technologies for activities such as hunting and fishing. 3. Understanding the ecology of plants and animals in a intricate web of life.

Problems with Scientific Knowledge  Doesn’t take into account indigenous knowledge  Can appear to be moral free  Is purely based on scientific knowledge  Often appears to put economical progress above environmental values  Can create an unstable economy based on resource extraction instead of incorporating resource management strategies

Co-management  Set up to integrate aspects of both indigenous knowledge (TEK) and state level governments  State level governments traditionally use information attained by the scientific community scientific community  Indigenous knowledge is that passed on that passed on through generations. through generations.  Co-management works to incorporate both groups incorporate both groups together together  Incorporates anything from resource management to resource management to world views and religious world views and religious practices practices

Conclusion  TEK is knowledge that aboriginal people have accumulated over generations due to having a close and intimate relationship with the earth, including seasonal cycles, animals and natural phenomenon's.  Incorporating co-management programs in Natural Resource management is important as both groups bring important and relevant aspects into the equation.

References Doubleday, Nancy 1993 Finding Common Ground: Natural Law and Collective Wisdom, in J.T. Inglis (Editor): Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Concepts and Cases. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Museum of Nature. Environment Cananda 1996, The state of Canadas Environment: retrieved March 15 th, 2008, from Johnson, Martha. 1992, LORE: Capturing Traditional Environmental Knowledge. Ottawa, Ont: Dene cultural institute and the international Development Research Centre. Natural Resources Canada 1997, Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Aboriginal Peoples, Retrieved March 13 th, 2008, from Tsuji, L, J,K,. 1996, Loss of Cree traditional Ecological knowledge in the Western James Bay regions of Northern Ontario, Canada: A case study of the Sharp-tailed grouse. North York, Ontario: York University. Retrieved March 15, 2008 from:

Hidden answer to the amazingly fun crossword In my opinion, “preserving traditional ecological knowledge for future generations to come” is important.

Questions?