Recording available! Contributions of Indigenous People’s EO to Water Quality Monitoring
We invite you to view the recording of this recent webinar in recognition of Indigenous People’s Day 2024 – co-sponsored by GEO AquaWatch, GEO Indigenous Alliance, CSIRO’s AquaWatch Australia, WWQA, and IAGLR. This informative 100 minute event was moderated by James Rattling Leaf and features a presentation of our recent publication recommending best practices for inclusion of indigenous science, followed by Water Quality Use Cases presented by global indigenous scientists and an audience participation discussion.
Moderator:
James Rattling Leaf, Sr., GEO Indigenous Alliance, North America
Speakers:
Dr. Dawn Martin Hill, Professor, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada: Haudenosaunee and the story of water.
Abstract: The community-led Ohneganos research project with the Six Nations of the Grand River (Six Nations) of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, is the largest Indigenous reserve (by population) in Canada. Six Nations community has been engaged in efforts to achieve sustainable ecosystems, health and well-being directly tied to the state of source water from the Great Lakes. As a Mohawk woman and scientist, living in my community, it is important to center the Haudenosaunee Great Law and responsibility to care for the water; this is embedded in our creation stories and the thanksgiving address. Our 5 year IK community led study with McMaster found in the climate change modeling of SN has experienced significant climate change water impacts further exacerbating water insecurity and will increase significantly over the next 30 years. By incorporating traditional knowledge and western science the community recognizes the desperate need for sustainable development in water monitoring and management. The goal is to establish a traditional ecological research Institution for training to improve our natural world’s ability to thrive so we may thrive.
Speaker Bio: Dawn is Mohawk and resides at Six Nations with her family. She was the first Indigenous cultural anthropologist in Canada and continues to break barriers in education and research. She founded the Indigenous Studies Program at McMaster University as a graduate student and recipient of a Canada U.S Fulbright Award. Her work with Elders from across Turtle Island since 1990 has influenced her development of Indigenous knowledge in academia, research, and research. She is a longtime advocate of Indigenous knowledge within her university and securing federal tri-council, Science Council’s support, and inclusion of peer reviewed funding of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing research. Her primary research over three decades is working with community, women, and youth to develop Indigenous ways of knowing that can be applied in resolving real world issues, Indigenous pedagogy and methodologies, developing community led strategies, holistic assessments of community wellness, traditional medicine, environmental justice and addressing improving quality of life.
Dr. Elisabeth Veronika Wambrauw, Head of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Universitas Cenderawasih, Indonesia: Water governance in perspective Indigenous People in Papua, New Guinea.
Abstract: I will talk about the Sambom People, Marind People, and also Naglum People of Indonesia.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Wambrauw is the head of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the Universitas Cenderawasih in Jayapura, Indonesia. Her research focuses on sustainable development and traditional ecological knowledge related to water and infrastructure as well as climate change.
Professor Bradley Moggridge, Indigenous Leadership & Engagement, University of Technology Sydney, Australia: The Cultural value of Water and the Importance of Understanding Water Quality for Aboriginal People.
Speaker Bio: Prof Bradley Moggridge is a proud Murri from the Kamilaroi Nation and is a researcher in Indigenous Water Science (qualifications in hydrogeology and environmental science). He is currently Acting Associate Dean – Indigenous Leadership & Engagement at the University of Technology Sydney. Until June 2021 he was the Indigenous Liaison Officer for the Threatened Species Recovery Hub under NESP. Bradley is a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, a Governor of WWF Australia and vice president of the Australian Freshwater Science Society. Bradley has won several awards, has presented widely and is on many committees – from local to international adding to his 25 years in water and environmental science, cultural science, regulation, water planning and management, including policy development, legislative reviews, applied research and project management. Bradley hopes to encourage future generations to pursue interests in STEM (water science), promote his ancestors’ knowledge of water and mentor emerging Indigenous scientists.
Dr. Myrle Ballard, Indigenous Scholar and Associate Professor, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
Speaker Bio: Dr. Ballard will tell you that she comes from a combination of three worlds. Her first is growing up on the land speaking Anishinaabe mowin as her first language and her experiential life on her reserve. Her second is Western science having earned her PhD in Natural Resources and Environmental management. Her third world is academia and government. Dr. Ballard is a professor at the University of Manitoba where her research focuses on Three-Eyed Seeing and using Indigenous language as a baseline indicator of changes in the ecosystem. Combining her lived experiences allows her to bridge and bring all sides together, while appreciating different perspectives.
DESCRIPTION
Indigenous Peoples hold vast knowledge of the planet and its resources. This knowledge is essential to maintain the healthiest ecosystems on the planet and can support current monitoring efforts. While advances to integrate indigenous knowledge exist, a proper involvement of indigenous peoples in policy and scientific process has to date been limited. Consequently, the precise observations of indigenous peoples remain poorly integrated and overlooked. In this webinar we will present examples of indigenous people’s observations, understandings and ways of managing the natural environment, with focus on components of the hydrological cycle. We will explore further cases that will complement results of our most recent publication and discuss the potential of indigenous knowledge for supporting global water monitoring efforts. The workshop will take place online and the language will be in English. This workshop is organised by GEO AquaWatch, GEO Indigenous Alliance, AquaWatch Australia and the World Water Quality Alliance (WWQA).