Originally published in Lake of the Woods Area News, Volume 54, Number 2, Spring 2024
This February, the LOWDSA team of Garth Collier, Brie McCardle and myself, were fortunate to attend the two-day National Environmental Gathering in Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation, hosted by Grand Council Treaty #3. People travelled from near and far in the hopes to bridge environmental knowledge across Treaty #3.
We discussed and learned about current environmental efforts taking place in the nation, and the future steps to preserve and protect inherent jurisdiction and treaty rights. You could feel the passion in the room during discussions of each topic and the power of different perspectives.
“Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
This quote from Wendell Berry, reflects the mission of the gathering and gives inspiration to how we want to emphasize stewardship in everything we do. It is a call to action, to preserve the land for all generations to come and continue to promote healthy habitats. We must work with our children in mind and treat the earth and water as if they are a part of ourselves.
While learning from one of the many presenters, Brenda Morrisseau presented “An overview; Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation’s environmental monitoring program and the journey to develop it.” During Morrisseau’s heartfelt presentation she taught us how everything begins with Spirit and how to prepare for community environmental monitoring programs. Everything is very intentional, and respect must be shown before starting any project.
Stewardship is a responsibility, and you cannot have a passive role as a steward of the land and water. The theme of weaving traditional knowledge with western science was not only symbolic but also practical. Morrisseau highlighted the importance of interweaving these two systems to address complex environmental challenges. By acknowledging and respecting the deep-rooted wisdom of Indigenous cultures while embracing the advancements of western science, the presentation underlined the need for holistic approaches to environmental stewardship. Morriseau emphasized the importance of small impactful practices that we as individuals can do through environmental programming and also in our daily lives. Be mindful of your consumption, specifically water.
“The earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.”
— Chief Seattle
Kaaren Dannenmann continued a similar theme through discussion on day two with her presentation on Environmental Teachings. Through this engaging workshop she emphasized the importance of language. Not all Indigenous languages translate to English and in the process some words can become lost in translation. She reminded the attendees of how the English language uses words that are commodifying and objectifying. For example, when referring to our natural environment we often say, “natural resources”. This commodifies the environment when the focus should be on and having a relationship with the environment and only taking what you need.
Dannenmann chooses to say “my relations” when speaking about “natural resources” as it reframes how we relate to nature. This highlights how the environment is not something to be used, but something we experience, protect and respect.
There were many takeaways that we will carry in our work and personal lives. LOWDSA is grateful to be able to attend events of this kind and be a part of these important discussions. The lessons and connections made serve as a powerful reminder of the value of collaboration and the potential for positive change when different outlooks come together.
It is our hope that the insights gained from this event will continue to inspire individuals, organizations, and policymakers to prioritize the harmonization of traditional Indigenous teachings and western science in environmental decision-making. We look forward to attending this event again and offer our appreciation to the Elders, presenters, and Grand Council Treaty #3 Territorial Planning Unit for putting on such an impactful and important gathering. LOWDSA encourages everyone to take part in this kind of learning.
Together, we can create a more sustainable future that honours the wisdom of the past and embraces the possibilities of the present and the future.