Effects of Noise on Wildlife Conference

 

Workshop on Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Scientific Knowledge


September 10-11, 1997
North West River
Consistent with the mandate of the Institute and pursuant to the Institute's strategy to foster the inclusion of aboriginal knowledge in its research activities, the Board of Directors requested that a workshop on traditional and western scientific knowledge be organized. 

Aboriginal Elders from both the Labrador and Quebec communities and scientific experts from various parts of Canada presented at the workshop. In the first session, speakers presented case studies to introduce the different systems of knowledge. This session lead to four sessions whereby, in small groups, the participants were invited to answer a number of questions related to the conduct of the Institute's research program.

This workshop has provided the foundation for building a relationship of trust and information sharing amongst the aboriginal and scientific communities, and the Institute. The proceedings of the workshop consist of papers and transcripts that flowed from the presentations as well as summaries of the plenary sessions that concluded that group discussions. A copy of the proceedings can be obtained from the Publications page.

Objectives:
  • Promote understanding and respect of both systems of knowledge by members of the Board of Directors and the Scientific Review Committee of the Institute. 
  • Examine how can both systems of knowledge contribute in assessing the potential impact of human activities on the environment. 
  • Establish guidelines as to how traditional environmental knowledge could be incorporated into the work of the Institute. 
For feedback on the workshop, please click here!

Program:

Introductory presentation by Dr. Fikret Berkes

The nature of Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) and the Canada-wide experience on the practical use of TEK.

Part 1 – Foundations of the different systems of knowledge

Presentations by the First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Scientists on how different cultures describe the environment and construct their systems of knowledge. Special references will be given on the taxonomic, spatial, temporal and social frames of reference. Speakers are invited to present case studies.

Some particularities of Innu knowledge of animals: the case of the beaver.
         Josephis Mark - Mamit Innuat 

The nature of scientific knowledge. 
          Dr. Gordon McOuat - Contemporary Studies Program, University of King’s College 

Innu environmental knowledge about waterfowl. 
         Pien Penashue - Innu Nation 

Naskapi environmental knowledge and its value. 
       Joseph Guanish - Naskapi Band of Québec 

Understanding and use of traditional knowledge in policy and decision making for sustainable development. 
      Dr. Julian Inglis - Consultant in Environment and Development 

Char fisheries in Northern Labrador. 
     Amos Maggo - Nunatsiavut Government 

Naturalized knowledge system on the environment as it applies to thanksgiving address. 
       Richard David - Department of the Environment, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne 

Taking care of each other – A relationship between Labrador Métis and the environment. 
     John Howell - Labrador Métis Association 

Nunavik Inuit perspective on traditional knowledge. 
    Mark Annanack - Inuit of Québec 

Development of a land use and ecological database for Nunavik and its application to management and other wildlife issues. 
     Bill Kemp - Environmental consultant with the Makivik Corporation 

Part 2 - How would different ways of knowing contribute in assessing the effects of human-related activities on the environment?

Introductory presentation by Dr. Fikret Berkes

Part 3 - Similarities and differences between different systems of knowledge

Part 4 - How can both systems of knowledge be used in the research projects of the Institute?

Contribution of different systems of knowledge. 
      Daniel Ashini - Innu Nation 

Perspectives on the potential contributions of Innu environmental knowledge in the research projects of the Institute.
      Gabriel Wapistan - Mamit Innuat 

Inclusion of different knowledge systems in research 
     Fred Roots, Member of the Scientific Review Committee of the Institute 

Introductory presentation to the group discussions by Dr. Jean Huot 

Part 5 - What should be included in the ethical guidelines of the Institute regarding the research objectives, methods, findings and their interpretation, and publication?

Introductory presentation by Dr. Julian Inglis

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