Topic #2: Environment

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRIBUTIONS 0F INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Indigenous people play a significant role in Canada in the protection of the environment against pollution and destruction of lands and water. When Indigenous people insist on for protection of their territories, they often do so for the well-being of the land itself which in turn benefits all living beings.

Indigenous people in Canada have successfully won many environmental protection cases. Environmental groups across the country are aligning themselves with Indigenous people to protect the environment. Indigenous worldviews are different from Western worldviews when it comes to values related to the land, water, animals and all living things.

These different values held by Indigenous people can contribute greatly to Canada and to the globe, since our country is primarily one of natural resources.  Indigenous scientists and traditional knowledge-keepers have much to contribute in helping Canada address climate change and pollution and preserving the land we share to ensure its survival for the next 10,000 years. Indigenous people practised sophisticated ways of protecting animals, water, lands and food sources from destruction for over 12,000 years. They are experts on how to live respectfully with the environment and can help Canada greatly innovate and succeed in this area. 

For your presentation, you can choose to focus on:

  • Indigenous worldviews towards the environment

  • Indigenous contributions to the well-being of the environment (name example(s) of protection of lands and waters in Canada and around the world)

  • Indigenous environmental technology (traditional and modern)

  • Highlight Indigenous spokespeople for the environment, and land protectors

  • Sustainability from an Indigenous perspective

You can choose from the links and videos below, or a topic from your own research. These are only examples to get you started on your research. 

Sample Topics:

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The Supreme Court decision granting the land claim of a B.C. First Nation was a game-changer for many Indigenous communities across the country. What are some landmark lands-rights cases, and how do they relate to protecting the lands and waters?

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The Faith Project: Indigenous spirituality. What is the Faith Project, why is it important, and how does it relate to the environment?

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Create and explain a list of 10 Indigenous and environmental struggles—and how you can help in 2022.