How do we gain knowledge about mountain systems? Our understanding of mountains has predominantly been studied using Western scientific methods of research. However, Indigenous knowledge and ways of thinking have often been underappreciated, and in some cases, even excluded from mountain research, which leaves an important part of mountain heritage and knowledge unlearned. This is beginning to shift as more scientists and researchers working in mountains embrace and engage with traditional forms of knowledge and learning. Host Eric Tanner met virtually with Leon Andrew and Glen MacKay, who are both involved in scientific research in the Northwest Territories. They explain their research methods and projects, and examine how their respective methods of understanding work together. They also describe how they benefit from this relationship, while also realizing that there is much more work needed to value and integrate Indigenous ways of knowing.
More on Glen MacKay and Leon Andrew’s research:
Nı́o Nę P’ęnę́ – Trails of the Mountain Caribou: Renewing Indigenous Relationships in Conservation (Led by Leon Andrew): https://canadianmountainnetwork.ca/nio-ne-pene-trails-of-the-mountain-caribou/
The Shútagot’ıne Cultural Landscape Project (Led by Glen MacKay): https://canadianmountainnetwork.ca/the-shutagotine-cultural-landscape-project/
For more information on the podcast and the Canadian Mountain Network, head to www.canadianmountainnetwork.ca