Indigenous & local knowledge
Indigenous and local knowledge refers to the understandings, skills and philosophies developed by societies and people with long histories of interaction with their natural surroundings.
Two-Eyed Seeing (IISH)
Etuaptmumk
Etuaptmumk
Ay-doo-ap-duh-mumk
(Two-Eyed Seeing) is the practice of bringing together different knowledge perspectives to better understand the natural world. It governs what Mi’kmaq do and why. By pairing Mi’kmaw, local and western knowledge systems from the beginning, research is more effectively designed and carried out.
For example, studying American eel requires knowledge of the waterways and coastal habitats eels use in order to be able to capture and tag them. Often, researchers are not familiar with tides, navigation, or practices needed to effectively or safely carry out field work.
Indigenous and local knowledge can complement study design to maximize research impact and dissemination of findings to end-users.
““[Two-Eyed Seeing] refers to learning
to see from one eye with the strengths
of Indigenous knowledges...and from
the other eye the strengths of Western
knowledges...and using both these eyes
together, for the benefit of all.””
Photo by: Aaron Beswick
LoCAL KNOWLEDGE
Local knowledge refers to facts, information and specific skills acquired and developed over time by individuals related to a specific locale based on their experiences.
Collaboration between Mi’kmaw, local and western knowledge holders is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of complex geophysical systems such as marine ecosystems where data collection at high resolution is a challenge.
Benefits include skilled boat operators, specific knowledge on currents, moving sand bars, weather trends, phenomenon with tides for safety and accessibility, obstacles, seasonal timing, limitations, and opportunities.
Western Knowledge
Western knowledge (or science) is acquired through systematic verification of testable observations and questions (scientific method). It is considered to be objective and insightful and is the dominant paradigm for understanding the natural world.
Western knowledge uses technologies, such as acoustic telemetry, to track the movements of aquatic animals. Acoustic telemetry relies on acoustic signals from small, electronic transmitters. Transmitters (tags) are surgically implanted or attached externally to marine and aquatic animals and can last for many years.
acoustic telemetry
Acoustic telemetry relies on acoustic signals from small, electronic transmitters. Transmitters (tags) are surgically implanted or attached externally to marine and aquatic animals and can last for many years.
Acoustic receivers, roughly the size of a food processor, are placed along the bottom of lakes and waterways, and the ocean floor. These receivers pick up coded signals identifying each tagged animal that passes within 500 metres.
Movement data are uploaded to the Ocean Tracking Network’s global database, providing current and reliable records that can be analyzed and applied to many different research efforts. Tags and receivers can also be outfitted with additional sensors that measure the ocean’s temperature, depth, salinity, currents, chemistry, and other properties.
Methods of marine and underwater data collection: small tags emit coded acoustic signals unique to the animal that carries it; acoustic receivers detect and store acoustic signals. Researchers offload the timestamped information to infer spatial and temporal movements of study animals.