Ecological research should consider Indigenous peoples and stewardship
Kyle A. Schang,
Andrew J. Trant,
Sara A. Bohnert,
Alana M. Closs,
Megan Humchitt,
Kelsea P. McIntosh,
Robert G. Way,
Sara B. Wickham
Affiliations
Kyle A. Schang
School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada Hakai Institute, Heriot Bay, BC V0P 1H0, Canada
Andrew J. Trant
School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada Hakai Institute, Heriot Bay, BC V0P 1H0, Canada
Sara A. Bohnert
School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Alana M. Closs
School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada Hakai Institute, Heriot Bay, BC V0P 1H0, Canada
Megan Humchitt
Heiltsuk Tribal Council, Bella Bella, BC V0T 1Z0, Canada
Kelsea P. McIntosh
School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Robert G. Way
Department of Geography and Planning, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
Sara B. Wickham
School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada Hakai Institute, Heriot Bay, BC V0P 1H0, Canada
The relationship between Indigenous peoples and the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems has received increased attention in recent years. As a result, it is becoming more critical for researchers focusing on terrestrial ecosystems to work with Indigenous groups to gain a better understanding of how past and current stewardship of these lands may influence results. As a case study to explore these ideas, we systematically reviewed articles from 2008 to 2018 where research was conducted in North America, South America, and Oceania. Of the 159 articles included, 11 included acknowledgement of Indigenous stewardship, acknowledged the Indigenous Territories or lands, or named the Indigenous group on whose Territory the research was conducted. Within the scope of this case study, our results demonstrate an overall lack of Indigenous acknowledgement or consideration within the scope of our review. Given the recent advancements in our understanding of how Indigenous groups have shaped their lands, we implore researchers to consider collaboration among local Indigenous groups as to better cultivate relationships and foster a greater understanding of their ecosystems.
