Leading Change: Biodiversity Conservation and the Well-being of Indigenous Peoples
Creators: Parlee, Brenda
Publisher: name: University of Alberta Library
Year: 2020

<p>NFRF-T NOI awarded in 2020: The scope of the project is novel in its combined concern with the well-being of Indigenous peoples and the conservation of biodiversity; it is also unique in its intention to build capacity within Indigenous communities to document and mobilize knowledge about biodiversity-well-being in ways that are recognized by regional-national-global institutions of biodiversity conservation. The research project was defined in collaboration with Indigenous organizations and partners in Canada and globally. We propose a place-based participatory approach that allows for capacity-building, evidence-based research, knowledge mobilization and action in key regions globally. Led by Indigenous scholars and an Indigenous Advisory Council, the research team will engage in collaborative community-based research within Canada and 5 other global hubs. Building from the successes of existing networks in Canada and elsewhere (e.g., Tracking Change), the project team will draw on expertise and tools from across the tri-councils to document and mobilize knowledge. The foundation of the research approach and anticipated outcome will be holistic and based on concepts from Indigenous knowledge that are inherently interdisciplinary). By year 6, we will have addressed the following outcomes:<br>
WELL-BEING of INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES: The well-being of Indigenous communities globally is recognized as an urgent concern by the United Nations and national governments, including Canada.Indigenous peoples, particularly youth, are over-represented in statistics on food insecurity, health service inequity and within the justice system. However, emphasis on Indigenous communities as vulnerable and “ill” can be used to perpetuate paternalistic policies/institutions and relations of dependency. Through the project, we particularly aim to elevate and nurture the voices of youth and communities with the hope of bolstering the work of Indigenous leaders in Canada and globally who are reframing colonial narratives about Indigenous peoples and building capacity within communities to care for themselves and their own lands and resources.<br>
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: The loss of biodiversity globally is a critical challenge for communities, who depend on the sustainability of ecosystems. It is predicted that numerous species are being lost annually with dire predictions for 2050. Curbing biodiversity losses and creating opportunities for<br>
biodiversity restoration, through this project is possible with the increased recognition of best/wise practices of Indigenous communities based on the diverse multi-generational knowledge systems that exist in Canada and globally.<br>
GOVERNANCE: By mobilizing Indigenous knowledge and creating tools for communities to track and inform local-global decisions about the importance of biodiversity to their well-being, this project will address inequities in governance that exist in Canada and elsewhere. By doing so we address inequities in Indigenous engagement in natural resource governance locally -globally. We also serve all Canadians in responding to the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Residential Schools and supporting Canada and other nations in efforts to respect and implement the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.</p>