Documenting Indigenous Ecological Knowledge to examine Atikameg (lake whitefish) and Namegosag (lake trout) interactions in Saukiing Anishinaabekiing

“Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing)” is a framework for bringing together different worldviews in search of mutual benefit. In partnership with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), this project is using an Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) approach to bridge Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (IEK) and Western science to inform locally relevant fisheries governance on Lake Huron. Using both knowledge systems, this project will examine the problem of declines in lake whitefish, how interactions with lake trout affect the collapse, and report on community-led solutions. This is a priority issue for the SON as lake whitefish supports an important commercial fishery and is an essential component of their diets and culture. An Intern will undertake interviews with SON fish harvesters and Elders to document their IEK. Alongside this, Western science-based research will be completed by other team members to quantitively evaluate lake whitefish declines. The Intern will also play an important role in studying how Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) can be used to support effective fisheries governance and more equitable research relationships.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kristen Lowitt;Charles Levkoe

Student:

Whitney Larratt-Smith

Partner:

Bagida-waad Alliance

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Program: