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Cited by 28Indigenous Studies and EcologyIndigenous Health, Education, and RightsIndigenous Peoples' Rights and Law

Using Indigenous and Western knowledge systems for environmental risk assessment

Buell, Mary-Claire, Ritchie, Doran, Ryan, Kathleen, Metcalfe, Chris D.·2020·Ecological Applications
DOI 10.1002/eap.2146
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Abstract

Indigenous rights, knowledge, and value systems are linked inextricably to the lands, waters, and non‐human beings that form the environments of Indigenous Peoples. Across the globe, the rights of Indigenous peoples are being formally recognized and as a result, efforts are being made to include Indigenous Knowledge and value systems in environmental policy and decision making. Scientists and decision makers must not only recognize this reality, but also operationalize these efforts through meaningful changes to create space for the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous values, and sovereignty within the current methods for scientific enquiry and the development of environmental policies. Professionals in the environmental field have a responsibility to ensure that their work has a positive impact on Indigenous Peoples and their environments. In this study, we explore the concept of consultation and informed consent through the lens of the development of environmental policy and decision making. We will discuss these concepts in the context of ecological risk assessment related to a case study focused on contaminated sediment in a harbor within the Great Lakes. We will demonstrate a process that deconstructs the current protocols for risk assessments at sites with localized pollutants in sediment and rebuilds them with elements that recognize both Western and Indigenous knowledge systems. This process includes collaborative fieldwork, relationship building, and informal and formal interviews with participants and community members. By utilizing such approaches, we were able to develop a risk assessment framework that recognizes the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples and promotes effective Nation‐to‐Nation decision making.

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Crossref · 10.1002/eap.2146

Cites

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Cites

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Research works printed but not linked: 5

  1. Buell M., 2018, Contaminated sediments in Owen Sound Bay, Ontario. Evaluating the ecotoxicological hazards
  2. Dillon Consulting, 2010, Supplemental phase II environmental site assessment, Owen Sound inner harbour, PWGSC project number: R.033781.001
  3. Lickers H., 1997, Biodiversity: toward operational definitions, 39
  4. McGregor D., 2008, Linking traditional ecological knowledge and western science: aboriginal perspectives from the 2000 State of the Lakes Conference, Canadian Journal of Native Studies, 28, 139
  5. Roote V.2015.Closing address. Engagement of Indigenous and Western Science Knowledge Systems Conference University of Guelph Guelph Ontario Canada June 9th 2015.

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Related

Authors
Buell, M.-C., Ritchie, D., Ryan, K., & Metcalfe, C. D.
Affiliations
  • Trent University (CA)
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada (CA)
Corresponding author
Buell, Mary-Claire
ORCID
Venue
Ecological Applications
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2020-05-21
Volume
30
Issue
7
Pages
e02146-e02146
ISSN
  • 1051-0761 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-5582
DOI
10.1002/eap.2146
OpenAlex
W3018853292
Semantic Scholar
ff6a5da80a099ae39473a098ebd7877babf9f66f
Cited by
28
References
38
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 1
FWCI
3.58
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Ecological Applications (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (3036‐2012)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Indigenous Studies and Ecology
  • Social Sciences › Health › Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights
  • Social Sciences › Law › Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Law
Keywords
indigenous knowledge, Western knowledge systems, environmental risk assessment, Indigenous sovereignty, informed consent, consultation, environmental policy, Great Lakes, sediment contamination, collaborative fieldwork, relationship building, indigenous rights
MeSH terms
Environmental Pollutants, Humans, Risk Assessment, Population Groups

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