Panel will meet with Chief Scientist to discuss ways to apply Indigenous wisdom in environmental monitoring
The Alberta government has announced the creation of an Indigenous advisory panel to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge into environmental monitoring, according to a press release.
“First Nations and Metis are vital to Alberta’s resource economy, but have been historically shut out of environmental monitoring decisions. This panel is a step towards a holistic approach to monitoring, built on a commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” said Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks.
The Indigenous Wisdom Advisory Panel will advise Fred Wrona, Alberta’s Chief Scientist and will include a seven member panel of academics, industry experts, Elders and a former Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada commissioner.
The seven-member expert panel is the first legislated advisory body of its kind in Canada.
“The government’s creation of this panel of Indigenous wisdom holders and western scientists is an example of the winds of change sweeping across the nation. As we focus on a sustainable environment for the next seven generations of Albertans, it’s an exciting period in history to be a panel committee member,” said Elmer Ghostkeeper, Indigenous Wisdom Advisory Panel member.
Legislated in spring 2016, the panel’s mandate is the product of months of collaboration with the panel following a blanket ceremony at Government House in October.
The mandate includes several unique features, including a consensus-based process for giving collective advice and a recognition of the importance of both oral and written communication.
Twice a year, the Indigenous Wisdom Advisory Panel will meet with the Chief Scientist to discuss how to improve approaches to applying Indigenous wisdom in environmental monitoring.
“Indigenous wisdom is fundamental to measuring, assessing and informing on the condition of Alberta’s environment. By braiding the advice of the Indigenous Wisdom Advisory Panel with that of the Science Advisory Panel, we will create long-term environmental monitoring programs that reflect both scientific experts and Indigenous communities,” said Fred Wrona, Chief Scientist, Environment and Parks.
The same legislation governs the Science Advisory Panel, which will assess the scientific quality of environmental monitoring.
The members of the Indigenous Wisdom Advisory Panel are:
- Leroy Little Bear – Elder and senior adviser to the president, Aboriginal Initiatives, University of Lethbridge
- Elmer Ghostkeeper – Elder and council member, Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement
- Henry Lickers – Elder and environmental science officer, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
- Harley Bastien – president, Harmony Walkers, Inc.
- Reg Crowshoe – Piikani First Nation Elder and professor of Indigenous Studies, University of Calgary
- Melody Lepine – director, Mikisew Cree First Nations, Industry Relations
- Wilton Littlechild – Grand Chief of Treaty 6 and lawyer, commissioner with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada