Wed

23 Apr

Knowledge-SS-04, GAC-MAC Special Session; Beyond Recognition ─ Integrating Western Geoscience with Indigenous Views of the Land

Join Metal Earth researchers in Ottawa for a special session at GAC-MAC. 

Knowledge-SS-04, GAC-MAC Special Session

Monday, May 12, 13.20 – 16:40

 

Beyond Recognition ─ Integrating Western Geoscience with Indigenous Views of the Land

Rasmus Haugaard*1, Carla Petahtegoose*1, David Pearson1, Steve Piercey2, Ross Sherlock1

*Chairs (emails: rashaugaard@gmail.com; ca_petahtegoose@laurentian.ca) 

1Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada; 2Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

 

Indigenous Nations have successfully used, studied, and managed the biophysical environment and its natural changes for thousands of years. A wisdom that is based on a holistic approach and that has been transferred orally through clans and familial connections. In contrast, western geoscience has been building on empirical observations and analytical results that separate observations into numerous disciplines. An approach that, despite its accomplishments, may not fully capture the complexity of an indigenous worldview and that of the natural world.

With the participation of representative people from Indigenous and geoscience communities, we will openly discuss the diversity of understandings between the two different world views and seek to investigate the use of Indigenous traditional knowledge and practices in geoscience and to strengthen a community’s involvement in geoscience. The session will bring together participants with firsthand experience to share their insight and examine relations between geologists and the land with Indigenous allies. A deeper conversation through this discussion will allow the participants access to strategies that could be incorporated into business practices and partnerships at the community level.

Through a two-eyed seeing framework, the panel explores how geologists and researchers engage with Indigenous communities to foster dialogue and mutual understanding following respect and reciprocity. They explore how geologists collaborate with Indigenous allies to deepen their understanding of traditional knowledge in geoscience, as well as how non-Indigenous researchers interpret and apply this knowledge in their work. The role of ceremony and spirit in strengthening partnerships with Indigenous knowledge keepers is at the core of integration. The questions attempt to resolve the balance between Western geoscience and traditional knowledge, highlight cultural differences that can enhance relationships, and investigate how Indigenous holistic perspectives can benefit specialized geoscience fields while ensuring the integration of community values and traditions into research practices.

Knowledge-SS-04, GAC-MAC Special Session

Monday, May 12, 13.20 – 16:40

 

Agenda: 

13:20-13:30: Opening with Art Petahtegoose 

13:30-14:00: Mattagami First Nation Presentation, Chief Jennifer Constant

14:00-14:40: Panel discussion  

15:00-15:20: Coffee Break

15:20-16:00: Panel discussion

16:00: Non-Indigenous Presentation, Dr. Andy Fyon

16:30-16:40: Closing remarks and closing of the session with Art Petahtegoose 

 

Panelists 

Mattagami Representative – Chief Jennifer Constant 

John Vallely - Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Lead Negotiator

Dr. Andy Fyon – Author and Former Director of Ontario Geological Survey  

Dr. Colin Sproat - University of Saskatchewan, Métis professor and co-lead on the Indigenous Inclusion section of the National Geoscience Research Plan

To register: https://event.fourwaves.com/ottawa2025/pages