Open AccessWhat 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?
Author(s) -
John Hansen,
Rose Antsanen
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international indigenous policy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.713
H-Index - 16
ISSN - 1916-5781
DOI - 10.18584/iipj.2018.9.3.6
Subject(s) - indigenous , stewardship (theology) , traditional knowledge , climate change , environmental stewardship , environmental ethics , environmental resource management , order (exchange) , sustainable development , environmental change , political science , environmental planning , sociology , geography , business , ecology , environmental science , law , politics , philosophy , finance , biology
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.