Bridging traditional ecological knowledge and Western scientific knowledge in co-management initiatives in Canada

Abstract

Climate change is an imminent and increasing threat to humanity. As a response to various environmental issues, there has been a surge in co-management initiatives that bridge Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western scientific knowledge. It is known that Western science alone cannot solve various issues stemming from climate change, but when it is equitably bridged with Traditional Ecological Knowledge there is the possibility to address these challenges. This paper aims to determine whether co-management is effective for solving complex environmental issues. Specifically, it assesses whether it is possible to equitably bridge Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western scientific knowledge in co-management arrangements. To assess the successes and challenges of bridging knowledge systems in comanagement initiatives, this paper consists of a literature review of co-management in Canada along with three case studies with interviews from academics who have been involved in the respective case studies. The case studies exemplify many challenges associated with equitably bridging Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western scientific knowledge in co-management initiatives, notably how there is a hierarchy of knowledge where Western science is favoured, issues of mistrust, and ultimately, an undervaluing of the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge. The case studies demonstrate the successes of these co-management initiatives, although there is arguably more work that needs to be done to equitably bridge these knowledge systems, such as through a Two-Eyed Seeing approach. Overall, co-management and equitable knowledge bridging has the potential to tackle complex environmental issues while also bringing Indigenous voices and knowledges to the environmental discourse, which have been historically ignored and devalued through colonial systems and policies.